Nick Reiner, charged in the stabbing deaths of his parents Rob and Michele Reiner, is described as calm but dazed in jail awaiting a January arraignment. New details on his schizophrenia diagnosis, recent treatment, and substance abuse emerge, as the victims' bodies are released to the family.
Nick Reiner's Condition
Following his December 18 court appearance where he did not enter a plea and arraignment was postponed to January 7, 2026, Nick Reiner is reported as 'calm,' 'cognizant,' and 'dazed' while in Los Angeles County jail. Sources attribute his state to his medical condition and medications.
Mental Health History
Nick, 32, has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has a history of substance abuse, with multiple rehab stays. In the weeks before the December 14 murders, he exhibited erratic and dangerous behavior. He had recently undergone treatment at a Los Angeles mental health and substance abuse rehab facility under psychiatric care, but medication adjustments reportedly worsened his condition, contributing to loss of control.
Legal experts note that substance abuse complicating schizophrenia may challenge a potential not guilty by reason of insanity defense, as voluntary intoxication often does not qualify.
Substance abuse expert Nick Mathews of Stillwater Behavioral Health described Nick as an 'unsolvable dilemma' for his parents, who could not compel treatment as an adult.
Case Developments
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found dead from multiple sharp force injuries in their Brentwood home on December 15. Nick faces two counts of first-degree murder and is held without bail. The bodies have been released from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office to the family; funeral details are pending.
This updates prior coverage including the initial arrest near USC, charges, court proceedings, and family tributes.
