New information has surfaced regarding Nick Reiner’s current situation after his arrest related to the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
Nick, who entered the jail system on December 15, is currently being held in solitary confinement and on safety watch, according to PEOPLE.
A police source told the outlet that Nick is required to wear a blue suicide-prevention smock at all times. In addition, he is not allowed to communicate with anyone other than his legal counsel and authorized jail personnel, the outlet reported.
“This is important so that no one compromises this high-profile case, and so that no civilian or inmate can ask him questions, such as why he killed his parents,” the source told PEOPLE.
Nick Reiner’s Mental State
GettyMeanwhile, the outlet reported that doctors and mental health professionals determined that Nick has a “mental disability.”
“When he arrived at the jail on Dec. 15, mental health staff evaluated him and determined he was at risk,” a source told PEOPLE. “He will remain on suicide watch until a doctor clears him, which could take a long time depending on his mental health.”
Previously, TMZ reported that Nick was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The outlet added that the meds he was taking in the weeks leading up to his parents’ murder made him “erratic and dangerous.”
TMZ noted that Nick recently received care at a Los Angeles-based rehab facility that specializes in mental illness and substance abuse. The source added that three to four weeks before the murders, doctors made changes to his meds, and that it wasn’t working, according to the outlet.
Nick Reiner Is Being Strictly Monitored
GettyFollowing his arrest, Nick is reportedly being monitored inside the facility at all hours, according to PEOPLE.
“While he is on suicide watch, a supervisor checks on him every 15 minutes to ensure his safety,” the source told the outlet. “He is currently struggling with mental health concerns, but he has not attempted self-harm. He remains alone in his cell and communicates very little.”
On December 14, Rob and Michele were found lifeless inside their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home. Their son, Nick, has been named a person of interest and is facing two counts of first-degree murder.
On Wednesday, December 17, Nick made his first appearance in court, where he waived his right to a speedy trial. His arraignment has been scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026, PEOPLE reported.
Very sad for this family. I’m sad for all of them. Even if nick was sick mentally, I pray for him too.
Sick from extensive drug use
Drug use most often extends from self-medicating mental health issues Julie. You have it backwards. It is why mental health treatment is the single largest factor for success in addiction treatment.
I absolutely agree
Julie’s comments are why Jury selection is critical. The possibility of being selected to serve on the jury is extremely doubtful.
Drugs, meds, all of that. But the fact remains that he brutally murdered his mother and dad. No excuse makes that ok.
Drugs, meds, all of that. But the fact remains that he brutally murdered his mother and dad. No excuse makes that ok.
I really don’t think people are looking for an excuse, because there isn’t one. People just want an explanation.
Yes. Not an excuse, just a reason. Mental illness and change in prescribed medications.
Absolutely, agree, ” no excuse” shows a profound ignorance to what is at hand here.
My brother was schizophrenic. There was no telling what the voices in his head were about to say.
It’s all horrific.
when you mudder someone you are on sueside watch my uncle killed 5 men in Kansas City Missouri in 1999 and he was on sueside watch he said voice told him to do it he is serving 5 99 years sences with no possible of paroll he has been there 26 years
That’s really terrible. I read about that case. Are you okay? How old were you in 1999?
His defense team is going to blame his change in medication as an excuse for
Murder.
I just had a stroke trying to read that mess you just put up. Damn
Even though he may have commited a heinous crime, there is NO WAY his parents or family would want him to be in prison for the rest of his life or receive a death sentence. He should be placed in a mental facility for the rest of his life. If he ever becomes cognicent of the crime he commited, that would be a worst punishment any child of such loving parents/family could live with
But he hated his dad
Even hate is really complex. It doesn’t mean he won’t regret it later on, and it doesn’t mean he didn’t also love him. There’s a lot going on It’s really important to hear all of the information. Mental illness and drug addiction both play a part. It doesn’t tell the entire story, but it is information that needs to be taken into consideration. It is not an excuse. But it could be part of a reason.
This definitely sounds like the “sources”, aka his attorneys, are already sowing the seeds of a “they gave him the wrong medication” defense.
It’s think we can all agree that it’s a complicated issue, but from a legal perspective, the court is going to hold him accountable regardless of the circumstances. That being said, his psychosis could have been pre-existing or it could be as a result of abuse (drug induced psychosis can occur even with chronic marijuana abuse). It could be that whatever psychosis he had was made worse by the side effects of a new medication to treat that psychosis, or it could be that he started abusing again and the combination of the two led to a psychotic break. It’s unlikely that he’ll ever be allowed in society again and he’ll always be institutionalized, whether in a mental facility or jail.