Murder suspect Nick Reiner is on his own as he faces life in prison or a death sentence. His two siblings, Jake and Romy, are not supporting him.
Nick allegedly killed his parents, producer/actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, on December 14 of last year. Both were stabbed repeatedly and Nick, who has battled addiction and mental health issues, is in prison for their murders.
Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead at home in December
Radar reported that Nick’s brother and sister will not pay a private criminal defense attorney in his case. A source close to the siblings said, “Nick’s defense is Nick’s defense. They’re not involved.”
On February 23, Nick pled not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in Los Angeles Superior Court. He initially was represented by notable defense attorney Alan Jackson, who withdrew from the case. Alan contends that, under California law, Nick is “not guilty of murder.”
The Reiner’s middle son is now represented by a deputy public defender, who entered the not guilty plea. Nick, who has been held without bail following the killings, had a shaved head and prison uniform in court.
Nick has been open about his heroin and cocaine addiction. He discussed his drug treatment, saying he had been in rehab approximately 18 times as a teen and was homeless. More recently, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental health issues. In 2020, Nick was placed in a mental health conservatorship for a year. He had recently switched medication about a month prior to the murders.
According to reports, Nick is currently acting “almost childlike” and is “not competent to stand trial right now.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said this case may be difficult to prosecute. “These cases, involving family members, are some of the most challenging and most heart-wrenching cases that our office faces,” he admitted.
Nick appears in court again on April 29 to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial.
TELL US – SHOULD NICK’S SIBLINGS STILL SUPPORT HIM?
