Nick Reiner’s disturbing downward spiral, which ultimately culminated in the tragic deaths of his parents, reportedly began with worries about his increasing weight, according to sources close to the situation.
Reiner, who is accused of murdering his parents, was reportedly suffering from schizophrenia and was disconnected from reality at the time of the incident. His father, Hollywood legend Rob Reiner, aged 78, and his mother, Michele, aged 70, were discovered deceased in their Los Angeles residence on December 14.
The 32-year-old was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder around 2020, as reported by TMZ.
He had been on medication that effectively managed his condition until roughly a month prior to the tragic incident involving his parents.
Insiders revealed that Nick had expressed concerns to his medical team regarding his weight gain, a concern supported by photos that document his increasing weight over the years.
Weight gain is a well-known side effect associated with medications prescribed for schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
However, doctors allegedly accommodated Nick’s request and changed the drugs that had been stabilizing him.
The new medication triggered increasingly alarming, unsafe dangerous behavior that only worsened over time and culminated in the alleged murders, per the outlet.
Nick Reiner was suffering from schizoaffective disorder and increasingly broken from reality when he allegedly killed his parents, according to an insider
Nick, 32, had asked his doctors to changed his medication because of concerns over weight gain. The new drugs allegedly destabilized his state of mind
Rob and Michele noticed the changes in their son’s behavior but were unsure of what to do.
Doctors also did not intervene by placing Nick on a temporary psychiatric hold, which could have lasted up to 14 days.
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental illness marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, mania and major depression.
Those diagnosed are prone to suicidal ideation, conflicts with family members or substance abuse, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The night before the killings, Nick attended a star-studded holiday party hosted by Conan O’Brien. His parents brought him along because they were concerned and wanted to ‘keep an eye on him.’
Guests at the party said Nick displayed antisocial behavior, including staring at attendees – and that he and his father were involved in a loud argument.
Nick was living with his parents at the time, staying in the guesthouse of their Brentwood mansion after years of substance abuse issues, at least 18 stints in rehab and bouts of homelessness.
Photos taken over the years showed how Nick’s weight had fluctuated. About a decade ago, he shared his struggles with substance addiction and mental health
Rob and Michele Reiner were aware of the changes in their son’s behavior, according to the insider, but did not know what to do
Rob and Michele Reiner were found stabbed to death in their $13.5million Brentwood mansion on December 14.
Rob was a prolific director whose work included This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me or A Few Good Men.
He met Michele Singer, a photographer whom he later married, during the production of When Harry Met Sally.
More than a decade ago, Nick publicly discussed his struggles with addiction and mental health after writing the film Being Charlie with his father, which was loosely based on their lives.
Nick was arrested within hours near the University of Southern California campus and later charged with the murders of his famous parents.
He was set to be arraigned on two counts of first-degree murder Wednesday at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles.
Nick was expected to plead not guilty by reason of insanity before his defense attorney, Alan Jackson, withdrew from the high-profile case.
At a press conference, Jackson explained that ‘circumstances beyond our control … and beyond Nick’s control’ had made it ‘impossible’ for his representation to continue.
He insisted that his former client was innocent.
‘I’ll be very clear about this, my team and I remain deeply committed to Nick Reiner and to his best interests,’ Jackson said.
He said that the ‘the legal process will reveal the true facts’ about the case.
Jackson added: ‘What we’ve learned – and you can take this to the bank – is that pursuant to the law of this state, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that! We wish him the very best moving forward.’
Nick’s case was reassigned to public defender Kimberly Greene, who also spoke following Wednesday’s hearing.
She said the LA County Public Defender’s Office was only told about Jackson’s withdrawal from the case on Tuesday night.
Greene added that Nick understood what was happening but that she had only talked with him ‘for 30 seconds today.’
His arraignment was rescheduled for February 23 by Judge Theresa McGonigle of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County.
If convicted, Nick could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Prosecutors have not yet said whether they would pursue capital punishment.
Nick did not enter a plea during his first court appearance on December 17.
He wore shackles and a vest designed to prevent suicides. He did not sport the preventative vest on Wednesday.
