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

[Kaley Smith]

Insiders reveal how the Reiner family decided to ax Nick's legal fund

Nick Reiner's siblings decided they will no longer support their brother's expensive legal bills and have agreed to cut him off completely, the Daily Mail can reveal.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Well there's this.
Consider the source, though, and tbh I would like to hear it "officially" ?

A lot of family friends or insider sources but always has to be taken with the proverbial grain.
Would not be surprised if true but wonder if and when the siblings decided this.
Was it the slayer laws ?

IF they wanted, could the siblings hire an atty. from their own pocketbooks only, and not from the monies Nick can't access again due to the laws on the books ?
Hiring the best effective counsel wouldn't mean they supported him, but maybe to ensure he never ever gets out ?
For their own safety --as if he's ever freed, he could very well target his siblings.

Nick needs locking away and if in a mental hospital, as opposed to prison, it needs to be one meant for crimes so horrific, that he'll never get out !
Imo.

I don't blame the siblings at all for pulling out of supporting him. Also, I get very upset when I read people saying his parents are to blame... and often the reason is because they were liberals and didn't like Trump.

 

[lohrtabitha]

That's not what I asked about. Some sources say schizophrenia, some schizoaffective disorder, so which one it is?

Thanks for the clarification. It sounded to me that you were questioning his diagnosis throughout his lifetime instead ofthe recent diagnosis. Maybe the doctor on this forum can enlighten us on this topic?

 

[lohrtabitha]

More from this article regarding his behavior with AJs legal team:

“He lashed out at staff, ignored our advice, and seemed completely detached from reality. It became impossible to defend him effectively,” an insider told Shuter.

Another insider told Shuter that Nick’s behavior was “erratic,” “threatening,” and “unpredictable.”

JMO, he still sounds dangerous. No wonder his siblings don’t want anything to do with him. They also may have their own attorneys advising them. Their dad was a founding partner of Castle Rock Entertainment, a tv and movie production company. I’m guessing Rob’s business partners and attorneys are helping the siblings.

How much should we bet that he isn't taking or being offered his medication.

 

[fcavanaugh]

1/9/26​

NICK REINER​

HE BELIEVES HE'S THE VICTIM OF A CONSPIRACY​

“Nick Reiner knows he killed his parents, Roband Michele Reiner, but he doesn't understand why he's in jail”.

**It’s TMZ I know but is an approved source.
Apparently they have a special on tonight BBM:

TMZ has a documentary -- "TMZ Investigates The Reiner Murders: What Really Happened" -- airing tonight on FOX and dropping Saturday on Hulu. Our sources say Nick is delusional and believes the people who put him behind bars are engaged in a "conspiracy" against him.

Nick Reiner Believes He's the Victim of a Conspiracy After Parents' Murder

Nick Reiner knows he killed his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, but he doesn't understand why he's in jail ... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ.

www.tmz.com

IMHOO

 

[tlcya]

Seems a bit soon for a documentary when we still know so little about that night, what triggered NR's actions and his actual mental health status but okay TMZ, capitalize on this tragedy, strike while the iron is hot I suppose. JMO

 

[iamshadow21]

Seems a bit soon for a documentary when we still know so little about that night, what triggered NR's actions and his actual mental health status but okay TMZ, capitalize on this tragedy, strike while the iron is hot I suppose. JMO

If it bleeds, it leads. Tragedy sells.

MOO

 

[lohrtabitha]

You said he had top notch psychiatric care since he was teenager and for sure was diagnosed early on. Not me.

I'm just saying I haven't seen any evidence of that. No, unnamed sources in tabloids like TMZ are not an evidence. These sources cannot even agree when and with what he was diagnosed.

I look at it as a no brainer. Most of Hollywood have a personal psychologist/psychiatrist on hand. There was no way that the Reiners or myself as a parent was going to forego this when their child was throwing extreme tantrums at 10. Most parents would seek help and I know in my heart of hearts the Reiners did. JMO

 

[MistyWaters]

Maybe my mistaken assumption but I wonder if there’s a bit of a misunderstanding about a NGRI plea? It’s not about simply proving the an accused was diagnosed with a mental disorder or what type of medication he was taking and when it changed. If it were so simple every single person with the same diagnosis treated by the same medication would either be granted a free licence to kill or for the safety of the public, would need to be locked up for life.

On the other side of the equation, the prosecution will be attempting to prove why NR should be held criminally responsible for the deaths of his parents, and if they are successful nothing about his mental health diagnosis or medications will matter. The deciding factor will be if the evidence proves he is guilty beyond reasonable doubt of committing the double murder of his parents.

A large percentage of convicts in prisons are reportedly schizophrenics so whether or even when NR was diagnosed is immaterial If the prosecution can prove he intended to kill his parents. Schizophrenics can and do knowingly commit crimes and are incarcerated accordingly. The key issue will be - was NRs intention to murder his parents or was he in some sort of psychotic delusional state which might qualify for a NGRI plea, if that comes to pass (he hasn’t entered a plea yet).

What it would seem though is there’s huge risk factor in a defence offering an initial NGRI plea if it’s not proven because a Guilty verdict should be a slam dunk since the accused has more or less is admitting he’s guilty of the murders if an unsuccessful attempt was earlier made with a NGRI plea.
JMO

NGI / NGRI Evaluations in California – Mental State at the Time of Offense — Elara Clinical & Forensic Psychology

Comprehensive NGRI/NGI evaluations assessing mental state at the time of the offense. Evidence-based forensic opinions for attorneys and courts.

www.elarapsychology.com

Mens Rea/Criminal Intent​

“Mens rea” is the legal concept referring to the mental state required for a specific criminal charge. It addresses what the defendant intended or understood at the time of the alleged offense. Unlike insanity (NGRI), which focus on criminal responsibility, mens rea relates to whether the defendant possessed the requisite intent, knowledge, or mental state that the law requires for conviction.”

 

[MistyWaters]

1/9/26​

NICK REINER​

HE BELIEVES HE'S THE VICTIM OF A CONSPIRACY​

“Nick Reiner knows he killed his parents, Roband Michele Reiner, but he doesn't understand why he's in jail”.

**It’s TMZ I know but is an approved source.
Apparently they have a special on tonight BBM:

TMZ has a documentary -- "TMZ Investigates The Reiner Murders: What Really Happened" -- airing tonight on FOX and dropping Saturday on Hulu. Our sources say Nick is delusional and believes the people who put him behind bars are engaged in a "conspiracy" against him.

Nick Reiner Believes He's the Victim of a Conspiracy After Parents' Murder

Nick Reiner knows he killed his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, but he doesn't understand why he's in jail ... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ.

www.tmz.com

IMHOO

Oldest trick in the book for an accused to pretend to be crazy….doesn't always work though.

 

[fcavanaugh]

Insiders reveal how the Reiner family decided to ax Nick's legal fund

Nick Reiner's siblings decided they will no longer support their brother's expensive legal bills and have agreed to cut him off completely, the Daily Mail can reveal.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Well there's this.
Consider the source, though, and tbh I would like to hear it "officially" ?

A lot of family friends or insider sources but always has to be taken with the proverbial grain.
Would not be surprised if true but wonder if and when the siblings decided this.
Was it the slayer laws ?

IF they wanted, could the siblings hire an atty. from their own pocketbooks only, and not from the monies Nick can't access again due to the laws on the books ?
Hiring the best effective counsel wouldn't mean they supported him, but maybe to ensure he never ever gets out ?
For their own safety --as if he's ever freed, he could very well target his siblings.

Nick needs locking away and if in a mental hospital, as opposed to prison, it needs to be one meant for crimes so horrific, that he'll never get out !
Imo.

Lots of rumors circulating out there which yes take with the proverbial grain. Very good advice.

As to your last point, if NR does end up pleading NGRI and deemed legally insane, there is a chance he could be released if the state deems him restored to sanity and no longer a threat. There would be a hearing w/a Judge and if Judge signs off on state hospital’s recommendation, he’ll be released. Maybe he’ll decline like Andrea Yates (TX) did when she was recommended for release and remains in state psychiatric facility to this day.
Somehow I don’t picture NR declining release *if* he’s sentenced to state psychiatric facility and ever deemed restored to sanity.

I want to make clear that I have the utmost compassion and sympathy for those addicted to drugs. It’s a sad, awful disease imo. I’ve seen it up close and personal with a dear relative who after a hard road getting there, thankfully achieved sobriety.

I’m just not convinced NR didn’t know or understand what he was doing when he murdered his parents. I also worry about malingering with him.

Where is the weapon?
If he disposed of it and any bloody clothing etc., imo goes to covering up the crime. It’s very hard to prove and be successful r/t Insanity defense in CA.
Link provided below about how often it’s used as a defense in CA
and how successful it’s been.

I guess we’ll just have to wait until judicial proceedings resume as there’s too many rumors floating around in the pool.

*Here’s a link defining malingering:

Malingering Explained

A psychologist explains what malingering is, why it happens, how to spot it and what to do about it.

health.clevelandclinic.org

*CA insanity defense:

Statistics on the Use and Sucess of The Insanity Defense in CA

In California, the use and success of the insanity defense involve complex legal and statistical considerations that reflect broader trends in criminal justice, mental health treatment, and public...

www.devinadouglaslaw.com

*Andrea Yates:

Andrea Yates Declines Release Hearing From Mental Hospital Again

Every year, her case comes up for review and every year, her attorney says, she declines a hearing and choses to stay in a psychiatric hospital.

www.today.com

IMHOO

ETA-added links

 

[MistyWaters]

Lots of info and rumors circulating out there which yah, take with the proverbial grain.

As to your last point, if he does end up pleading NGRI and deemed legally insane, there is a chance he could be released if the state deems him cured and no longer a threat. There eould be a hearing w/a Judge and if Judge signs off on states recommendation, he will be released.

I have compassion and sympathy for those addicted to drugs, it is a terrible disease imo. I’ve seen it up close and personal with a dear relative who thankfully is sober now but it was hard, hard road getting there. Having said that I’m not convinced NR didn’t know or understand what he was doing when he murdered his parents. I also worry about malingering with him.
Where is the weapon? If he disposed of it and bloody clothing etc., imo that goes to covering up the crime.
I guess we’ll have to wait until judicial proceedings resume.

IMHOO

Not much chance of the state deeming him cured if he’s acting loco awaiting trial.

 

[tlcya]

Lots of info and rumors circulating out there which yah, take with the proverbial grain.

As to your last point, if he does end up pleading NGRI and deemed legally insane, there is a chance he could be released if the state deems him cured and no longer a threat. There eould be a hearing w/a Judge and if Judge signs off on states recommendation, he will be released.

I have compassion and sympathy for those addicted to drugs, it is a terrible disease imo. I’ve seen it up close and personal with a dear relative who thankfully is sober now but it was hard, hard road getting there. Having said that I’m not convinced NR didn’t know or understand what he was doing when he murdered his parents. I also worry about malingering with him.
Where is the weapon? If he disposed of it and bloody clothing etc., imo that goes to covering up the crime.
I guess we’ll have to wait until judicial proceedings resume.

IMHOO

It's paywalled, can you paraphrase anything of interest? TIA

 

[freudianslip]

To see the complexities of dual diseases play out so tragically illustrates the agony of the individual and the families and I’m going to include the health professionals in that agony of getting a diagnoses and then working out effective treatment.

I know someone who spent her whole life chasing a diagnoses and effective treatment.

So much of mental illness, it’s causes and triggers, are so mysterious and have so many ways to manifest itself does it really make a difference how the condition was acquired as it is that is it now present, dominant and permanent?

All imo

I think it matters greatly. Severe mental illness is rumored or presumed, not proven. The central question is whether NR was aware of what he was doing at the time of the crime and whether he understood right from wrong, whether he is legally guilty or NGRI.

The next issue is whether severe mental illness, or a change in medication with potentially devastating effects, played a role in his actions, and if so, to what extent.

For many people, trying to understand why such tragedies happen can also be a way of coping with the horror of it all, a way of making sense of senseless violence and suffering in the world. Holding that complexity doesn’t deny the pain or the human tragedy. It’s a way of keeping the analysis grounded in what is actually known.

 

[fcavanaugh]

It's paywalled, can you paraphrase anything of interest? TIA

My post you quoted doesn’t show any links, prob because I edited and added three links lol. If you could look upthread and let me know which one is paywalled. Or are you referring to the TMZ link in my earlier post?

 

[tlcya]

My post you quoted doesn’t show any links, prob because I edited the post and added three links lol. If you could look upthread and let me know which one is paywalled. Or are you referring to the TMZ link in my earlier post?

nevermind, I was mistaken, it was the DM article contained in the member post you were quoting and not from your own post.

 

[Arkay]

Not exactly the same, because Nick appears to have some sort of actual mental illness and Gigante was faking it for 30 years, but as an example of slick lawyering using NGRI, Gigante was able to avoid prison for decades.

All LE and all the other Mob bosses knew it was an act. So did all of NYC. He’d go outside in a ratty bathrobe, mumble nonsense, etcetera, while meanwhile he was one of the most powerful and brutal Mafia bosses.

It worked until it didn’t, but he avoided prison for 30 years.

Below is an excerpt from his Wikipedia page:



With the arrest and conviction of Gotti and various Gambino family members in 1992, Gigante was recognized as the most powerful crime boss in the United States. For about 30 years, Gigante feigned insanity in an effort to throw law enforcement off his trail.

Dubbed "The Oddfather" and "The Enigma in the Bathrobe" by the media, Gigante often wandered the streets of Greenwich Village in his bathrobe and slippers, mumbling incoherently to himself. He was indicted on federal racketeering charges in 1990, but was determined to be mentally unfit to stand trial. In 1997, he was tried and convicted of racketeering and conspiracy, and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Facing obstruction of justice charges in 2003, he pleaded guilty and admitted that his supposed insanity was an elaborate effort to avoid prosecution, as he was sentenced to an additional three years in prison. He died in the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners on December 19, 2005.

Vincent Gigante - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[MistyWaters]

Lots of info and rumors circulating out there which yah, I take with the proverbial grain.

As to your last point, if NR does end up pleading NGRI and deemed legally insane, there is a chance he could be released if the state deems him restored to sanity and no longer a threat. There would be a hearing w/a Judge and if Judge signs off on state hospital’s recommendation, he will be released. Maybe he’ll decline like Andrea Yates (TX) did when she was recommended for release from state’s care where she remains to this day.
But somehow I don’t picture NR declining release *if* he’s sentenced to state psychiatric hospital and ever deemed restored to sanity.

I want to make clear that I have utmost compassion and sympathy for those addicted to drugs. It’s a sad, awful disease imo. I’ve seen it up close and personal with a dear relative who after a hard road getting there, thankfully achieved sobriety.

I’m just not convinced NR didn’t know or understand what he was doing when he murdered his parents. I also worry about malingering with him.

Where is the weapon?
If he disposed of it and any bloody clothing etc., imo goes to covering up the crime. It’s very hard to prove and be successful r/t Insanity defense in CA.
Link provided below about how often it’s used as a defense in CA
and how successful it’s been.

I guess we’ll just have to wait until judicial proceedings resume as there’s too many rumors floating around in the pool.

*Here’s a link defining malingering:

Malingering Explained

A psychologist explains what malingering is, why it happens, how to spot it and what to do about it.

health.clevelandclinic.org

*CA insanity defense:

Statistics on the Use and Sucess of The Insanity Defense in CA

In California, the use and success of the insanity defense involve complex legal and statistical considerations that reflect broader trends in criminal justice, mental health treatment, and public...

www.devinadouglaslaw.com

*Andrea Yates:

Andrea Yates Declines Release Hearing From Mental Hospital Again

Every year, her case comes up for review and every year, her attorney says, she declines a hearing and choses to stay in a psychiatric hospital.

www.today.com

IMHOO

ETA-added links

Further to your comments and quote regarding Andrea Yates, below are reasons why her NGRI was successful as she made no effort to cover up her crime. I thought her case was a good comparison to why NR may have a very difficult battle with an NGRI defence. His actions might indicate he knew what he did was wrong and was an attempt to cover up his murderous deeds. After the fact he assumably cleaned blood from himself, disposed of the weapon, fled the murder scene and told nobody. If NR attempted suicide (blood at hotel?-unconfirmed) that can also be considered an acknowledgment of wrong doing.
JMO

6.1 The Insanity Defense | Criminal Law

courses.lumenlearning.com

Example of a Case Appropriate for the M’Naghten Insanity Defense​

“Andrea, a diagnosed schizophrenic, drowns five of her young children in the bathtub. Andrea promptly phones 911 and tells the operator that her children are dead. The operator dispatches an emergency call to law enforcement. When law enforcement officers arrive at Andrea’s house, she informs them that she killed her children so that they could leave this earth and enter heaven.

Andrea thereafter claims she is not guilty for killing her children by reason of insanity. Andrea could be successful if the jurisdiction in which she killed her children recognizes the M’Naghten insanity defense. Andrea suffers from a mental defect, schizophrenia. In addition, there is no evidence indicating Andrea knew her conduct was wrong, such as an attempted escape, or cover-up. In fact, Andrea herself contacted law enforcement and immediately told them about her criminal acts. Thus both of the M’Naghten elements appear to be present, and Andrea’s conduct may be excusable under the circumstances.”

 

[JDG]

Further to your comments and quote regarding Andrea Yates, below are reasons why her NGRI was successful as she made no effort to cover up her crime. I thought her case was a good comparison to why NG may have a very difficult battle with an NGRI defence. His actions might indicate he knew what he did was wrong and was an attempt to cover up his murderous deeds. After the fact he assumably cleaned blood from himself, disposed of the weapon, fled the murder scene and told nobody. If NG attempted suicide (blood at hotel?-unconfirmed) that can also be considered an acknowledgment of wrong doing.
JMO

6.1 The Insanity Defense | Criminal Law

courses.lumenlearning.com

Example of a Case Appropriate for the M’Naghten Insanity Defense​

“Andrea, a diagnosed schizophrenic, drowns five of her young children in the bathtub. Andrea promptly phones 911 and tells the operator that her children are dead. The operator dispatches an emergency call to law enforcement. When law enforcement officers arrive at Andrea’s house, she informs them that she killed her children so that they could leave this earth and enter heaven.

Andrea thereafter claims she is not guilty for killing her children by reason of insanity. Andrea could be successful if the jurisdiction in which she killed her children recognizes the M’Naghten insanity defense. Andrea suffers from a mental defect, schizophrenia. In addition, there is no evidence indicating Andrea knew her conduct was wrong, such as an attempted escape, or cover-up. In fact, Andrea herself contacted law enforcement and immediately told them about her criminal acts. Thus both of the M’Naghten elements appear to be present, and Andrea’s conduct may be excusable under the circumstances.”

By NG do you mean NR?

 

[Bekind89]

Not exactly the same, because Nick appears to have some sort of actual mental illness and Gigante was faking it for 30 years, but as an example of slick lawyering using NGRI, Gigante was able to avoid prison for decades.

All LE and all the other Mob bosses knew it was an act. So did all of NYC. He’d go outside in a ratty bathrobe, mumble nonsense, etcetera, while meanwhile he was one of the most powerful and brutal Mafia bosses.

It worked until it didn’t, but he avoided prison for 30 years.

Below is an excerpt from his Wikipedia page:



With the arrest and conviction of Gotti and various Gambino family members in 1992, Gigante was recognized as the most powerful crime boss in the United States. For about 30 years, Gigante feigned insanity in an effort to throw law enforcement off his trail.

Dubbed "The Oddfather" and "The Enigma in the Bathrobe" by the media, Gigante often wandered the streets of Greenwich Village in his bathrobe and slippers, mumbling incoherently to himself. He was indicted on federal racketeering charges in 1990, but was determined to be mentally unfit to stand trial. In 1997, he was tried and convicted of racketeering and conspiracy, and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Facing obstruction of justice charges in 2003, he pleaded guilty and admitted that his supposed insanity was an elaborate effort to avoid prosecution, as he was sentenced to an additional three years in prison. He died in the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners on December 19, 2005.

Vincent Gigante - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Didn't he get caught out by visiting his girlfriend/ mistress?
Lol.

 

[LinasK]

Not much chance of the state deeming him cured if he’s acting loco awaiting trial.

A psychiatrist could tell if he's malingering.