CA - Murder victims Identified as Rob Reiner and wife Michele - LA Dec 14 2025

[formerlyme]

rsbm

i’m not an expert and i think others here might be able to say this much better! but my dad has had psychoses and while it can cause issues that would make that someone doesn’t know how to use a credit card and check into a hotel, you could also have a psychosis and still be able to do those things.

i translated this from a source in my native language, so some terms might be a little off! but i think this is a good explanation:

In a psychotic disorder, the patient always has one or more psychotic symptoms (symptom group 1) and may also have symptoms from three other symptom clusters:
1. psychotic symptoms—delusions, hallucinations, incoherent speech, disorganized behavior, or catatonia;
2. negative symptoms - poverty of speech, motivation problems, loss of initiative, flattening of affect;
3. cognitive symptoms - including disorders in information processing, concentration, (working) memory, planning, and problem-solving ability;
4. affective symptoms - anxiety, gloominess, mania.

With mental health it is not one size fits all, a person can have inside stimulation, hear voices etc and not react visibly to others. Also if someone is self medicating with street drugs, he could just appear as they said at the hotel "high"

 

[Sundog]

I agree with the opinion that he belongs in a locked psychiatric hospital, probably indefinitely.
Not a good candidate for prison.
I see some sort of plea deal coming.

I doubt that he would meet the criteria for sentencing to a facility for the criminally insane. Also, I am certain that there are many individuals incarcerated for their crimes who are also on medication for mental health issues like schizophrenia. And they are likely not good candidates for prison either.

I do think that he will be sentenced to a prison term once he is hospitalized temporarily until his condition is stablized through medications, etc.

 

[formerlyme]

Does anyone know if there is "mental health court" in California? when I worked in behavioral health in
AZ clients were processed through mental health court and often got lighter sentences. I personally prefer judges to be educated in Mental health over having a separate court program. I often felt justice was not served. I hope that any mental illness is taken into consideration but that it does not deflect from justice. Such as a short hospital stay and outpatient services would not satisfy me.

 

[Cedars]

rsbm

i’m not an expert and i think others here might be able to say this much better! but my dad has had psychoses and while it can cause issues that would make that someone doesn’t know how to use a credit card and check into a hotel, you could also have a psychosis and still be able to do those things.

i translated this from a source in my native language, so some terms might be a little off! but i think this is a good explanation:

In a psychotic disorder, the patient always has one or more psychotic symptoms (symptom group 1) and may also have symptoms from three other symptom clusters:
1. psychotic symptoms—delusions, hallucinations, incoherent speech, disorganized behavior, or catatonia;
2. negative symptoms - poverty of speech, motivation problems, loss of initiative, flattening of affect;
3. cognitive symptoms - including disorders in information processing, concentration, (working) memory, planning, and problem-solving ability;
4. affective symptoms - anxiety, gloominess, mania.

Thanks.

I'm not an expert either, but wonder about the difference between a psychotic disorder, and a psychotic episode.

A medical practitioner would naturally be interested in the overall, long term definition of a medical condition, it's symptoms and treatment.

From.the legal point of view, IMO, the only issue is the state of mind of the person while they committed the crime.

Specifically "mens rea" or "guilty mind": were they aware that what they were doing was murder?

A person might be quite capable of justifying murder to themselves, or believe they can't help themselves (Chris Watts just snapped), but that's not accepted as an excuse.

Convicted first degree murder killers, IMO, have built up a "case" against their victims in their own minds, where they give themselves permission to take the life of others.

JMO

 

[Sundog]

rsbm

i’m not an expert and i think others here might be able to say this much better! but my dad has had psychoses and while it can cause issues that would make that someone doesn’t know how to use a credit card and check into a hotel, you could also have a psychosis and still be able to do those things.

i translated this from a source in my native language, so some terms might be a little off! but i think this is a good explanation:

In a psychotic disorder, the patient always has one or more psychotic symptoms (symptom group 1) and may also have symptoms from three other symptom clusters:
1. psychotic symptoms—delusions, hallucinations, incoherent speech, disorganized behavior, or catatonia;
2. negative symptoms - poverty of speech, motivation problems, loss of initiative, flattening of affect;
3. cognitive symptoms - including disorders in information processing, concentration, (working) memory, planning, and problem-solving ability;
4. affective symptoms - anxiety, gloominess, mania.

Yes, in my experience of having a family member who suffered from schizophrenia, even during a psychotic episode there are moments of lucidity.

 

[Sundog]

I agree however I think the lawyer will try to get a plea deal. Getting him stable to stand trial could risk jail time or? and a plea deal the attorney will try to get exactly what he wants , not necessarily what is deserved.

Yes, the attorney will try everything he can, but I don't see the prosecution settling for a plea deal that basically allows the defendant in this case to go free. That wouldn't be justice for the victims or for the state.

 

[Sundog]

IANAL, but I did some research last year related to another case and found this article on the law in California related to competency restoration.

It appears that a defendant can be held in a state hospital for "competency restoration" for up to two years and not enter a plea during that time if unfit to enter a plea and stand trial.

If a defendant is found to be incompetent to stand trial, they are ordered to attend a competency restoration program.

In California, that means that if they are charged with a misdemeanor, they will receive treatment in a county jail in a specialized competency restoration unit. In misdemeanor cases, they can be held in a county jail for up to 1 year for competency restoration.

If they are charged with a felony, they will be sent to a state hospital for competency restoration. In felony cases, the defendant has up to 2 years to become competent.

Once they are found to be competent, they will be returned to the county jail and the criminal proceedings will move forward.

If they are still incompetent to stand trial, they can be placed into either an LPS (Lanterman-Petris-Short) Conservatorship or Murphy Conservatorship.

Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity vs. Incompetent to Stand Trial: What’s the Difference Between Them? | Verdugo Psychological Associates​

The terms insanity and competency are two legal terms that come up often in the criminal justice system. There are several differences between them.

verdugopsych.com

Also, in reading about California's "Murphy Conservatorship Statute," the way I understand it is that after two years if a felony-charged defendant is not restored to competency according to court-appointed experts, then the defendant is acquitted of the charges, i.e. the charges are dropped. However, the state has the option, according to Murphy Conservative Statute, of seeking a long-term CIVIL commitment to a state institution for an individual deemed not competent to stand trial. From what I am reading, this is used mostly for defendants who are a serious danger to others/society.

So in two years, if the court still finds that a defendant is not competent to stand trial, then it sounds like it is possible that they could be released into their family's care as conservators (without a civil commitment by the courts). Unless, of course, the court orders a civil commitment to a state hospital, but it is unclear to me how long such a civil commitment would be. Regardless, the felony murder charge would no longer exist, and the defendant would have been acquitted of that before a court-ordered civil commitment.

JMO I am not a lawyer. Perhaps a California attorney can weigh in.

In any event, it looks like NR's attorney has some options, if I am reading this material accurately and it is being presented accurately and applies to this case.

 

[waldojabba]

Diagnosis of schizophrenia is nothing to be taken lightly and very often is heritable- it could have been heritable on the mother’s side of the family rather than Rob’s side.
This disease is widely accepted to be 80% inherited- but I personally think it is more than that.
This type of illness is extremely misunderstood unless you are a professional in the field or unless you personally know someone with this awful disease or have studied it.

I personally think the murders could have taken place less out of anger/ rage than out of paranoia/ psychosis.
Schizophrenics tend to think people are out to get them and they can either end their own lives or the lives of others based on their paranoia. They have delusions. Nick could have heard voices telling him to kill his parents.

It’s a psychotic disorder DSM-5 and Nick was in a psychotic state when he killed his parents.

I think Rob was likely in denial about the severity of his son’s disease and the danger- though maybe deep down he knew.
Also, he likely didn’t have the authority to institutionalize his son without the son’s consent. Those custodial papers should be signed but often are not.

This is a matter of what came first - the chicken or the egg- the schizophrenia or the drugs?
Drugs (especially hallucinogenics) can set off psychosis.

Sadly I think Rob believed the drugs were Nick’s issue when in reality the schizophrenia was the issue. (The schizophrenia came first)
It can present in a more subtle way by the time high school hits- forgetfulness/ losing things/ detachment and hearing voices. Many of those with psychotic disorders turn to drugs to “quiet the noise”- which is what Nick admitted doing during a 2016 interview.

It appears that Nick’s psychosis was full on if they were trying to adjust his meds.
If Nick also had bipolar- which I suspect- the antidepressants can set off a horrible mania.

I think the combination of mania and psychosis from his schizophrenia was the perfect storm leading to this tragedy.

Also, it could be days or weeks before the mania subsides and Nick realizes and cares about what he did. When he does realize what happened he will be horribly grief stricken and tortured.

Looking back at Nick’s 2016 interviews and knowing about his schizophrenic diagnosis - he seems much more tormented/ paranoid and much less smug.

His previous bouts of destruction were likely fueled by his psychosis.
The drugs were never able to quiet his noise.

This is a man to be pitied and institutionalized privately for the rest of his days.
He does not belong in federal prison.

All IMHO

Thank you for your well informed and well written post.

 

[Tabulator]

There is a well established legal precedent for 'insanity', which means being in a state of psychosis. Which is usually manifested by the person being unable to comprehend or exist in reality.

For example, they cannot speak coherently, they cannot control their behaviour in any manner, they don't recognize the people around them, they are under a delusion such seeing little green men trying to kill them, and they may blindly strike back, unaware of where the knife came from or who exactly is in front of them, they may run into traffic, take off their clothes, etc, etc.

IMO, walking in a purposeful direction along a street, being deliberately rude to people, using a credit card to.check into a hotel, are all sign of a person not in a psychotic state.

JMO

 

[turaj]

Agree. If he is not sent to prison but to a non-forensic psychiatric hospital setting, then he could be released based on a number of factors, including his ability to function with medications at some point. But there is no guarantee that he would comply with this treatment once released. In fact, there is lots of evidence over his lifetime to indicate that he wouldn't comply with the conditions of a release. So prison setting in mental health wing sounds more appropriate and justified.

If I were one of the siblings I would not want him released ever again..I would live in fear. From much of what is coming out the siblings saw more clearly that he could be dangerous and warned the parents about having him in their home. They will want him safe and no chance of doing any more harm.

 

[Gemmie]

Things that stood out to me from the interview linked below.

4:50:
Interviewer - "What do you feel about the tough love?"

NN - "I'm here, so, it worked."
=========================================
5:45 -
NN - "I was an emotional kid who had problems."
=========================================
6:14 -
NR: "I get crazy. I get crazy. You don't want to set me off."
RR - [nodding as NR says that, then *laughs*] "We can both get pretty hot and there were times when we both did get hot."
=========================================
11:06 - I was a real like nutcase. I was crazy. It was more than drugs. It's always like more than that. [...] It's life. Life goes on. Life happens. Things flare-up.

147K views · 1.8K reactions | Rob Reiner and son Nick Reiner’s dynamic was on full display in Access Hollywood's exclusive 2016 interview. The pair stopped by our studios to promote their film, "Being Charlie," a semi-autobiography partially inspired

Rob Reiner and son Nick Reiner’s dynamic was on full display in Access Hollywood's exclusive 2016 interview. The pair stopped by our studios to promote their film, "Being Charlie," a...

www.facebook.com

 

[no nonsense]

Diagnosis of schizophrenia is nothing to be taken lightly and very often is heritable- it could have been heritable on the mother’s side of the family rather than Rob’s side.
This disease is widely accepted to be 80% inherited- but I personally think it is more than that.
This type of illness is extremely misunderstood unless you are a professional in the field or unless you personally know someone with this awful disease or have studied it.

I personally think the murders could have taken place less out of anger/ rage than out of paranoia/ psychosis.
Schizophrenics tend to think people are out to get them and they can either end their own lives or the lives of others based on their paranoia. They have delusions. Nick could have heard voices telling him to kill his parents.

It’s a psychotic disorder DSM-5 and Nick was in a psychotic state when he killed his parents.

I think Rob was likely in denial about the severity of his son’s disease and the danger- though maybe deep down he knew.
Also, he likely didn’t have the authority to institutionalize his son without the son’s consent. Those custodial papers should be signed but often are not.

This is a matter of what came first - the chicken or the egg- the schizophrenia or the drugs?
Drugs (especially hallucinogenics) can set off psychosis.

Sadly I think Rob believed the drugs were Nick’s issue when in reality the schizophrenia was the issue. (The schizophrenia came first)
It can present in a more subtle way by the time high school hits- forgetfulness/ losing things/ detachment and hearing voices. Many of those with psychotic disorders turn to drugs to “quiet the noise”- which is what Nick admitted doing during a 2016 interview.

It appears that Nick’s psychosis was full on if they were trying to adjust his meds.
If Nick also had bipolar- which I suspect- the antidepressants can set off a horrible mania.

I think the combination of mania and psychosis from his schizophrenia was the perfect storm leading to this tragedy.

Also, it could be days or weeks before the mania subsides and Nick realizes and cares about what he did. When he does realize what happened he will be horribly grief stricken and tortured.

Looking back at Nick’s 2016 interviews and knowing about his schizophrenic diagnosis - he seems much more tormented/ paranoid and much less smug.

His previous bouts of destruction were likely fueled by his psychosis.
The drugs were never able to quiet his noise.

This is a man to be pitied and institutionalized privately for the rest of his days.
He does not belong in federal prison.

All IMHODid I miss something or did someone document

Did someone/ a healthcare professional document that he was diagnosed as schizophrenic? If so, can you kindly post a link.

 

[tlcya]

Things that stood out to me from the interview linked below.

4:50:
Interviewer - "What do you feel about the tough love?"

NN - "I'm here, so, it worked."
=========================================
5:45 -
NN - "I was an emotional kid who had problems."
=========================================
6:14 -
NR: "I get crazy. I get crazy. You don't want to set me off."
RR - [nodding as NR says that, then *laughs*] "We can both get pretty hot and there were times when we both did get hot."
=========================================
11:06 - I was a real like nutcase. I was crazy. It was more than drugs. It's always like more than that. [...] It's life. Life goes on. Life happens. Things flare-up.

147K views · 1.8K reactions | Rob Reiner and son Nick Reiner’s dynamic was on full display in Access Hollywood's exclusive 2016 interview. The pair stopped by our studios to promote their film, "Being Charlie," a semi-autobiography partially inspired

Rob Reiner and son Nick Reiner’s dynamic was on full display in Access Hollywood's exclusive 2016 interview. The pair stopped by our studios to promote their film, "Being Charlie," a...

www.facebook.com

5:20 (the clip from being Charlie) Charlie: It was never about the drugs, all I ever wanted was a way to kill the noise.

psychosis can be auditory (hearing voices that aren't there), visual (seeing things that aren't there) hallucinations, thoughts or ideas that are not based in reality, paranoia. It can look different for everyone but tends to feature some combination of those things.

I wonder if this line in the movie was a reference to Nick's own internal noise that he couldn't seem to quiet hence the drugs to try to still those voices.

 

[Gemmie]

Someone introduced me to the concept of "sanpaku eyes" on another websleuths thread and rob has these eyes in almost all photos ive seen.

I know this type of thing is not backed by science but it sure is striking.

He doesn't always have them which just struck me as I watched a 2016 interview. His eyes look normal throughout.

SS taken from: 147K views · 1.8K reactions | Rob Reiner and son Nick Reiner’s dynamic was on full display in Access Hollywood's exclusive 2016 interview. The pair stopped by our studios to promote their film, "Being Charlie," a semi-autobiography partially inspired by Nick's struggles. | Access

NOTHING like these eyes:

 

[turaj]

Diagnosis of schizophrenia is nothing to be taken lightly and very often is heritable- it could have been heritable on the mother’s side of the family rather than Rob’s side.
This disease is widely accepted to be 80% inherited- but I personally think it is more than that.
This type of illness is extremely misunderstood unless you are a professional in the field or unless you personally know someone with this awful disease or have studied it.

I personally think the murders could have taken place less out of anger/ rage than out of paranoia/ psychosis.
Schizophrenics tend to think people are out to get them and they can either end their own lives or the lives of others based on their paranoia. They have delusions. Nick could have heard voices telling him to kill his parents.

It’s a psychotic disorder DSM-5 and Nick was in a psychotic state when he killed his parents.

I think Rob was likely in denial about the severity of his son’s disease and the danger- though maybe deep down he knew.
Also, he likely didn’t have the authority to institutionalize his son without the son’s consent. Those custodial papers should be signed but often are not.

This is a matter of what came first - the chicken or the egg- the schizophrenia or the drugs?
Drugs (especially hallucinogenics) can set off psychosis.

Sadly I think Rob believed the drugs were Nick’s issue when in reality the schizophrenia was the issue. (The schizophrenia came first)
It can present in a more subtle way by the time high school hits- forgetfulness/ losing things/ detachment and hearing voices. Many of those with psychotic disorders turn to drugs to “quiet the noise”- which is what Nick admitted doing during a 2016 interview.

It appears that Nick’s psychosis was full on if they were trying to adjust his meds.
If Nick also had bipolar- which I suspect- the antidepressants can set off a horrible mania.

I think the combination of mania and psychosis from his schizophrenia was the perfect storm leading to this tragedy.

Also, it could be days or weeks before the mania subsides and Nick realizes and cares about what he did. When he does realize what happened he will be horribly grief stricken and tortured.

Looking back at Nick’s 2016 interviews and knowing about his schizophrenic diagnosis - he seems much more tormented/ paranoid and much less smug.

His previous bouts of destruction were likely fueled by his psychosis.
The drugs were never able to quiet his noise.

This is a man to be pitied and institutionalized privately for the rest of his days.
He does not belong in federal prison.

All IMHO

I don't care where he is institutionalized just so he is not on the street.

 

[nao]

Moo...I have issues became supported involved by mental health public. But some people, just born not ok.
I do not know what they did with their children. I don't know do you drug them up enough so they are tranquilized.

 

[turaj]

Yes, the attorney will try everything he can, but I don't see the prosecution settling for a plea deal that basically allows the defendant in this case to go free. That wouldn't be justice for the victims or for the state.

no plea deal would be offered that would not include hard prison time.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I THINK even his family would want him contained for the rest of his life. It was a double murder and it could be argued pre meditated and his actions after show he knew what he did. He should be in prison in a mental wing with treatment but no release..

I do agree that the family would want him contained for the rest of his life.
My guess is that the siblings knew (and probably suffered) from his "lies and manipulation", as stated by his rehab professionals.
With insightful comments coming from WSers presenting California's processes with insanity and institution, to be quite complex, long-lasting, and very very expensive.
Perhaps with the viciousness of these crimes the best option with the least taxpayer expenditures over so many expected years in an institution--is, as mentioned, a mental wing of a prison.

I do feel quite ignorant with all this. So I do hope we have some great CA experts who will stay with us for questions and clarification.

 

[LinasK]

“They got in an argument, the father and son. It got so bad and loud someone wanted to call the police to report it,” an insider familiar with the event told Daily Mail on Friday.

“But Conan stepped in and said, ‘It’s my house, my party, I’m not calling the police.’ He talked them out of calling the police.”

A second source echoed the first insider’s comments, adding that guests worried that Nick needed to be placed on a psychiatric hold due to his behavior.

“When the s–t was hitting the fan, somebody said we need to call the police. The conversation was about getting this kid put into a mental-health hold,” the source told the outlet.

Conan O’Brien stopped guests from calling 911 on Nick Reiner during explosive fight with dad Rob at holiday party: report

Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home hours after leaving O’Brien’s holiday party over the weekend.

pagesix.com

If only they had! They could have 5150'd him which would have been a 72 hour involuntary psychiatric hold.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Diagnosis of schizophrenia is nothing to be taken lightly and very often is heritable- it could have been heritable on the mother’s side of the family rather than Rob’s side.
This disease is widely accepted to be 80% inherited- but I personally think it is more than that.
This type of illness is extremely misunderstood unless you are a professional in the field or unless you personally know someone with this awful disease or have studied it.

I personally think the murders could have taken place less out of anger/ rage than out of paranoia/ psychosis.
Schizophrenics tend to think people are out to get them and they can either end their own lives or the lives of others based on their paranoia. They have delusions. Nick could have heard voices telling him to kill his parents.

It’s a psychotic disorder DSM-5 and Nick was in a psychotic state when he killed his parents.

I think Rob was likely in denial about the severity of his son’s disease and the danger- though maybe deep down he knew.
Also, he likely didn’t have the authority to institutionalize his son without the son’s consent. Those custodial papers should be signed but often are not.

This is a matter of what came first - the chicken or the egg- the schizophrenia or the drugs?
Drugs (especially hallucinogenics) can set off psychosis.

Sadly I think Rob believed the drugs were Nick’s issue when in reality the schizophrenia was the issue. (The schizophrenia came first)
It can present in a more subtle way by the time high school hits- forgetfulness/ losing things/ detachment and hearing voices. Many of those with psychotic disorders turn to drugs to “quiet the noise”- which is what Nick admitted doing during a 2016 interview.

It appears that Nick’s psychosis was full on if they were trying to adjust his meds.
If Nick also had bipolar- which I suspect- the antidepressants can set off a horrible mania.

I think the combination of mania and psychosis from his schizophrenia was the perfect storm leading to this tragedy.

Also, it could be days or weeks before the mania subsides and Nick realizes and cares about what he did. When he does realize what happened he will be horribly grief stricken and tortured.

Looking back at Nick’s 2016 interviews and knowing about his schizophrenic diagnosis - he seems much more tormented/ paranoid and much less smug.

His previous bouts of destruction were likely fueled by his psychosis.
The drugs were never able to quiet his noise.

This is a man to be pitied and institutionalized privately for the rest of his days.
He does not belong in federal prison.

All IMHO

I must start with a big moo moo... because I have no idea where to find a link to the discussion regarding Nick having done some podcasts after all the workings and the hoopla of the 2016 "Being Charlie" stuff.....
But someone was sharing information having Nick basically acknowledging that he was never totally sober, basically lying/manipulative behavior with his dad. This behavior, to me, is very smug.

I don't know how you twine "entitlement" along with "drugs" and with MH diagnoses....
I mean, how many diagnoses have there been? How new is the schizophrenia? Was he on prescription medication as a kid, before he started using street drugs?

ya know, its not like "chicken and egg"....
its more like "chicken, egg and salmonella", or "chicken, egg and blender"...