Nick Reiner, accused of murdering his parents, Michele and Rob Reiner, reportedly does not comprehend why he is incarcerated. A source revealed to TMZ that the 32-year-old allegedly believes those responsible for his arrest are involved in a “conspiracy” against him. While the insider stated Nick is aware of his alleged crime, they noted he has experienced a “break in reality.”
His arraignment was delayed a second time on January 7 after his lawyer, Alan Jackson, unexpectedly withdrew from the case. Jackson informed the court he had “no choice but to withdraw,” leaving Nick to be represented by LA County Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene. The arraignment is now scheduled for February 23.
During the court appearance, Nick—who had a shaved head and sunken eyes—spoke only once to confirm his agreement with the change in legal counsel. He was initially expected to enter a plea after his first arraignment postponement from December 17.
Michele, 70, and Rob, 78, were found fatally stabbed in their home by their daughter Romy on December 14, following an argument with Nick at a gathering the previous night. The LA County Medical Examiner ruled their deaths as homicides caused by “multiple sharp force injuries.”
Nick was arrested that night and charged with two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple murders. He faces a maximum sentence of life without parole or the death penalty.
Prior to the killings, Nick had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggled with long-term drug addiction. Sources indicated his behavior grew “alarming” in the weeks leading up to the incident, coinciding with psychiatric medication changes that reportedly left him “out of his head.”
If you or someone you care about is affected by mental health or substance use issues, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).