Nick Reiner’s siblings have decided to stop funding his substantial legal expenses and have chosen to sever financial ties entirely, as revealed by the Daily Mail.
According to sources familiar with the family’s deliberations, Jake and Romy Reiner, along with their older half-sister Tracy, reached this decision collectively and unanimously.
This development follows the announcement by prominent attorney Alan Jackson during a court session on Wednesday that he would no longer represent Nick as his legal counsel.
“Nick brought this upon himself, and now he must face the repercussions on his own,” an insider shared with the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, it was noted that Rob and Michele have historically been generous with their financial support for their children, implying that Nick should have some savings to draw upon.
Insiders further disclosed that Tracy, Jake, and Romy are deeply upset by their brother’s alleged actions against their renowned parents and have reluctantly concluded that he must assume full responsibility for his legal defense.
Tracy, 61, was director Rob’s eldest, having adported her in the 1970s after marrying his first wife and her mother, actress Penny Marshall.
Rob and his second wife Michele Singer – who he married in 1989 – went on to have Jake, now 34, Nick, 32, and Romy, 28.
Nick has been charged with the murders of both his parents, who were stabbed in their Los Angeles home in the early hours of December 14.
Happier times: Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner and Jake Reiner (L-R) in a photo posted by Jake on Nov. 28, 2016, which he captioned, ‘The trio’
Close friends and family said Michele and Rob Reiner ‘did everything they could’ to try to save their second son from his addictions
On Wednesday, Jackson said he had to leave the case because of ‘circumstances beyond’ his and Nick’s control, but added that he still believes his former client is not guilty. Nick’s case will now be handled by the LA County public defender’s office.
Jackson – whose prior client list includes Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and more recently Karen Read – didn’t provide further answers as to why he decided to withdraw.
Sources told TMZ that Nick was suffering with worsening schizophrenia and became ‘erratic and dangerous’ when doctors recently changed his psych medication weeks before he allegedly murdered his parents.
‘He took their parents, now should he take their inheritance so he can get free from the consequences? That’s what everyone’s reaction has been,’ a source told the Daily Mail.
The siblings agonized over the decision because it’s unlike the Reiners to turn their backs of loved ones, sources said.
High-powered attorney Alan Jackson announced at a court hearing on Wednesday he was stepping down as Reiner’s attorney
Sources told the Daily Mail that Jake and Romy recently made the difficult decision to cut off their brother, Nick, who is facing double murder charges
But since the brutal loss of their beloved parents, Jake, Romy and Tracy decided that distancing themselves from Nick was in their best interest.
‘It’s not like the Reiners or their nearest and dearest to turn their backs on a family member or anyone close to them but this is different,’ the source said.
‘This is incomprehensible. The disgust over Nick’s alleged despicable act is felt by everyone and the inclination to spend millions on his defense is just not there.’
Jackson was hired almost immediately after Nick’s arrest last month at the recommendation of Reiner family lawyers.
Romy discovered her father’s body after a massage therapist slated to work at the house was unable to enter their Brentwood compound on December 14.
Sources told the Daily Mail that Romy was so traumatized she rushed out of the home and initially didn’t notice her mother’s corpse.
According to the New York Times, Romy learned that her mother was also dead only after paramedics arrived and told her.
Rob’s brother and sister, Lucas and Annie, have thrown their full support behind their nieces and nephew’s decision. Their main concern right now is the the well-being of Romy and Jake, another source told the Daily Mail.
Other close family friends said Rob and Michele ‘did everything they could’ to save their second son, who had been to rehab at least 18 times since he was 15-years-old.
The middle child of the director of When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, The Princess Bride and This Is Spinal Tap was open about his own struggles with his addiction.
Nick Reiner was suffering with worsening schizophrenia and became ‘erratic and dangerous’ when doctors changed his psych medication, insiders say
At a court hearing in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Nick Reiner sported a buzz haircut. He smiled into the audience a handful of times right before his defense attorney, Alan Jackson, announced to the court that he decided to withdraw as Reiner’s counsel
Sources said Nick, his mind frazzled by days not sleeping while under the influence of the drug methamphetamine, was known to have violent outbursts, including smashing furniture and punching walls.
He was described as a ‘ticking time bomb’ and that his parents wanted out of their home even as they despaired – after years of trying – of ever finding the help that would finally tame his addiction.
‘Romy and Jake have absolutely no desire to see their brother,’ a source said. ‘What he allegedly did was unforgivable. The days of rescuing Nick and placating him are long gone, and as far as the family is concerned, Nick must face the consequences on his own without any handouts and without any handholding.’
If convicted, Nick could face the death penalty, though it’s unclear if prosecutors will push for capital punishment. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 23 for his arraignment.
