Nick Reiner’s schizophrenia diagnosis preceded parents’ deaths, sources say

BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES: Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old, charged in the fatal stabbing of his parents, was diagnosed with schizophrenia weeks before their deaths, according to sources familiar with his medical history.

Those sources say that changes to his prescribed medication allegedly preceded a period of increasingly alarming behavior.

Reiner is accused of killing his father, Rob Reiner, 78, and mother, Michele Reiner, 70, inside their Brentwood home. He is currently being held without bail.

Sources describe Nick Reiner's schizophrenia diagnosis

Two sources have reportedly told TMZ that Reiner had been under the care of a psychiatrist and was receiving treatment for schizophrenia in the weeks leading up to the killings.

According to the outlet, doctors altered his medication regimen roughly a month before the incident, after which his behavior became increasingly unstable.

Sources described him as being "out of his head," following the medication change and said that efforts were underway to further adjust his treatment to stabilize him. 

Reiner had also recently received care at a Los Angeles-based rehabilitation facility specializing in mental health and substance use treatment, according to the report.

Sources indicated that substance use issues may have complicated his mental health condition. TMZ reported that Reiner is expected to plead not guilty by reason of insanity. 

His attorney, criminal lawyer Alan Jackson, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Rob and Michele Reiner were discovered by their daughter, Romy Reiner, inside their home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the couple died from "multiple sharp force injuries," ruling the manner of death a homicide. 

Nick Reiner's charges and court proceedings 

Reiner was arrested on Sunday night near Exposition Park in downtown Los Angeles. He was initially booked at Parker Center Jail before being transferred to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, where he remains in custody without bail. 

Prosecutors charged Reiner on Tuesday with two counts of first-degree murder, along with a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders.

He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted.

Reiner made his first court appearance on Wednesday, where he appeared with disheveled hair and remained largely expressionless throughout the hearing.

He was shackled at the hands and feet and wore a self-harm preventing smock. Reiner spoke briefly, telling the judge, "Yes, your honor," when asked whether he wished to waive his right to a speedy arraignment. 

According to reports, Reiner had reportedly been living in a guest house on his parents' property and had a long history of substance use and prior rehabilitation stays. 

Sources said that he had allegedly experienced periods of homelessness and had been in rehab nearly 20 times.