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

[Jade]

No, because the defense is saying the change in meds was about 3 to 4 weeks prior to the murders. A change in medications does not mean that your body will instantly shed the prior weight.

I think that Nick must have already stopped taking the meds before the doctors prescribed new ones for him to try. That would make more sense, because he could have started to lose some of that weight earlier. Especially if he was also using meth.

There is no way to pin it on the doctor's because Nick was self medicating at the time, imo.

Probably a disruption of meds 'contributed' to his violent thoughts. But is that enough to label NR as Not Guilty? Lots of things 'contributed' to NR's violent thoughts---his self medicating, his personality since childhood, his tense family dynamic, the pressure from being in the celebrity spotlight, etc etc


There is no promise that a verdict of NGRI will ensure a life long confinement in a mental hospital. There is always the possibility that the doctors decide he is cured and stable and should be released. That is a big problem, imo.

Yes it would be terrible for him to not have lifelong confinement.

 

[LinasK]

I’m reading and posting from WS TOS allowable sources for discussion on the forum so you’ve lost me on no worth of the tabloid stuff for WS.

Levin and Drew are appalling, imo, but they are WS allowed sources!


As you say we won’t know until the future what course this will take so it can’t be a determination of properly applied laws or not since no one really knows at this point.

I suspect it has something to do with possibly the elder Reiner’s will designations and even limitations concerning NR.

The rumors [!] of a conservatorship comes to mind. How far along was that, if true? I wonder what discoveries would be included in pursuing a conservatorship.

As mentioned NR, as an adult, may have his own money that needs to be organized to fund his defense.

Perhaps it’s in investments or trusts controlled by him or his own financial representative which in his current mess can’t be accessed readily, imo.

I asked AI [!] NR's worth:

As of late 2025/early 2026, Nick Reiner's estimated personal net worth is reported to be between $1 million and $3 million, derived from his independent work as a screenwriter, producer, and director.


all imo

Exactly! And I'm guessing that unless he's declared Incompetent, he can determine how he will plea and he's the one objecting to an Insanity defense. My guess is that he feels justified in killing them and wants to go free. I think that's the real reason Jackson bowed out.

 

[JDG]

Exactly! And I'm guessing that unless he's declared Incompetent, he can determine how he will plea and he's the one objecting to an Insanity defense. My guess is that he feels justified in killing them and wants to go free. I think that's the real reason Jackson bowed out.

When pigs fly……….

Don’t think so…..

 

[SaraSmile]

*snipped for focus

Mental health treatment teams do work to mitigate the very common weight gain side effect as pointed out in my linked and quoted article.

Mental health treatment, unless court ordered, is voluntary so the visible side effects that can cause patients to be noticed and discriminated against are alleviated as much as possible to help with their medication compliance.

Cultural stigmas and negative perceptions about mental illness and the side effects of medications can discourage people from getting help which is a concern for the medical teams looking to help their patients.

No offence to those whose go to is Harvey Levin and Dr Drew but they are media personalities looking to yield attention from this tragedy by creating spectacles of themselves on the backs of the Reiner's tragedy when they have no verifiable information due to HIPPA nor confirmed knowledge of the Reiner’s long term situation, imo.


>
Patients described that initially the extent and speed of weight gain was overshadowed by psychotic experiences and their treatment. This led to a shocking realization of weight gain.

The psychological impact of weight gain, most strikingly on the self‐concept, was profound. Loss of self‐worth and changed appearance amplified a sense of vulnerability. There were further consequences on mood, activity and psychotic experiences, such as voices commenting on appearance, that were additional obstacles in the challenging process of weight loss. Sedative effects of medication also contributed.
<
The psychological journey of weight gain in psychosis - PMC

>
The weight-gain that can result from treatment with antipsychotic medication may lead some individuals to discontinue medication, inhibiting their potential for improved mental health (Monteleone et al. 2009).
>
Switching antipsychotic medication is one method to reduce body weight, although this may not be clinically feasible. Switching from one drug to another is a clinical decision depending on several factors e.g. tolerance, safety and efficacy of molecules used. Such decisions are always to be taken in the best interest of the patient depending on the existent state of knowledge.
>
If feasible, switching medication may be one solution. In many cases, weight loss (or weight control) programs will need to be incorporated into an individual holistic treatment plan.
>
Weight-Gain in Psychiatric Treatment: Risks, Implications, and Strategies for Prevention and Management - PMC



all imo

Very interesting! Just some thoughts, on the weight gain issue. I’m familiar with meds that can cause weight gain, it’s a struggle for many people. All below, MOO
Ok, so add GLP-1, sounds good. ( if it can be tolerated, it has side effects too).

Remember Nick said he was on Wellbutrin in the Dopey podcast? Separate drug, but maybe same concern. Common SSRI anti depressants can cause weight gain.
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant ( different category), that does Not cause weight gain, so some patients request this med.
We don’t know why Nick was on Wellbutrin instead of a regular SSRI.
MOO, Wellbutrin is Not the most popular antidepressant, it is Not as effective for most people, much More suicidal ideation, than common SSRI type antidepressants.
Nick may have requested Wellbutrin, back then, 10+ years ago, to avoid weight gain( just a thought) so maybe a similar sentiment with his psych meds for Schizophrenia.
It seems, He preferred a med that did Not cause weight gain, even if Less effective. He did not anticipate a literal crisis this time, when switching meds!
Just an idea, that he has been concerned about keeping his boyish physique for some time.

Just guessing, I’m thinking Nick cared about his looks, saw his life slipping away due to mental illness and street drugs, no job, no partner. Then, because of Psych meds the last 5 years, he gained a lot of weight, lost his looks, in this short time. I’m guessing 60-75 pounds heavier, so 12-15 pounds a year, crept up. I can see this making him angry, resentful( of course, misplaced anger, always blamed others).

Perhaps, He took this mental “ wellness” reprieve for granted( “ok”, doing well, up to med change), he thought he could switch meds, be in the same “ good” condition mentally, just lose the weight.

My take, is that when Nick was changing meds( last month before crime), he was in close contact with his Psychiatrist. Then, during the transition, Nick “did not like the way he felt”, so he self medicated, reached out for street drugs, probably meth( linked with violence). Since he was in a vulnerable spot, anger, rage came out, led to acting out violently. MOO

 

[Luna20]

I didn’t accuse his parents of poor parenting or spoiling him, they did what they thought was best, including professional help. My opinion is he’s an entitled person who had very little ambition to do anything with his life. Spoiled by receiving $10K a month allowance, living in the guest house even after he trashed it previously. He was able to make choices every single day about what he would do. He could have had his own career, home and life to live independently, but didn’t go that route.

I didn’t know about the 10K. If he wasn’t paying rent that’s quite a bit of money to spend monthly. Even if he was paying rent it’s still a lot of money.

I guess it’s all relevant. He could have private memberships, an expensive hobby, a chef, masseuse, monthly travels, a driver etc. He was probably spending a good part of that on street drugs.

ETA: cost of living in California is another factor

 

[Dotta]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2011574066008707476

"Obviously, something happened with my ability and my team's ability to continue the representation,
but I don't want you, your audience, anybody's else to start speculating as to what that might be."

https://twitter.com/x/status/2011521266902003979

" 'I believe in it.
I believe exactly what I said.
What I said is the truth.
Under the laws of the state of California,
he’s not guilty',
Jackson insisted.
'It was important for me to make sure
that the public understood that
as I had to step away'.”

 

[LinasK]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2011574066008707476

"Obviously, something happened with my ability and my team's ability to continue the representation,
but I don't want you, your audience, anybody's else to start speculating as to what that might be."

https://twitter.com/x/status/2011521266902003979

" 'I believe in it.
I believe exactly what I said.
What I said is the truth.
Under the laws of the state of California,
he’s not guilty',
Jackson insisted.
'It was important for me to make sure
that the public understood that
as I had to step away'.”

Typical lawyer speak which is meaningless. Mark Geragos also proclaimed Scott Peterson as "Stone Cold Innocent". Only means Innocent until Proven Guilty, which is the American standard of Justice. Doesn't mean Innocent.

 

[SaraSmile]

When pigs fly……….

Don’t think so…..

Haha

 

[LinasK]

I didn’t know about the 10K. If he wasn’t paying rent that’s quite a bit of money to spend monthly. Even if he was paying rent it’s still a lot of money.

I guess it’s all relevant. He could have private memberships, an expensive hobby, a chef, masseuse, monthly travels, a driver etc. He was probably spending a good part of that on street drugs.

ETA: cost of living in California is another factor

I've lived in CA for 65 years, and I can guarantee you that it doesn't cost $10K/mo to live in CA.

 

[SaraSmile]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2011574066008707476

"Obviously, something happened with my ability and my team's ability to continue the representation,
but I don't want you, your audience, anybody's else to start speculating as to what that might be."

https://twitter.com/x/status/2011521266902003979

" 'I believe in it.
I believe exactly what I said.
What I said is the truth.
Under the laws of the state of California,
he’s not guilty',
Jackson insisted.
'It was important for me to make sure
that the public understood that
as I had to step away'.”

AJ is not involved anymore. Either Nick will plea NGRI( I don’t think think it will work), or more likely, eventually, plea guilty LWOP( 2 murders, +aggravating factors), to avoid a trial.

 

[SaraSmile]

I didn’t know about the 10K. If he wasn’t paying rent that’s quite a bit of money to spend monthly. Even if he was paying rent it’s still a lot of money.

I guess it’s all relevant. He could have private memberships, an expensive hobby, a chef, masseuse, monthly travels, a driver etc. He was probably spending a good part of that on street drugs.

ETA: cost of living in California is another factor

At one point, the parents mentioned that they avoided giving Nick $, because it went to street drugs. I have heard of the $10k, but hopefully, the parents stopped that.

 

[SaraSmile]

Yes it would be terrible for him to not have lifelong confinement.

Yes, he absolutely has to be locked up, he’s too dangerous.

 

[LinasK]

At one point, the parents mentioned that they avoided giving Nick $, because it went to street drugs. I have heard of the $10k, but hopefully, the parents stopped that.

I wonder if Jake & Romy or the aunts and uncles as next of kin could still get Power of Attorney/Conservatorship over him? It's probably irrelevant now, as he's making his plea decisions and will never be able to do street drugs ever again. He'll be lucky if he ever sees his freedom again. At least he's not homeless and is getting his meals.

 

[MistyWaters]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2011574066008707476

"Obviously, something happened with my ability and my team's ability to continue the representation,
but I don't want you, your audience, anybody's else to start speculating as to what that might be."

https://twitter.com/x/status/2011521266902003979

" 'I believe in it.
I believe exactly what I said.
What I said is the truth.
Under the laws of the state of California,
he’s not guilty',
Jackson insisted.
'It was important for me to make sure
that the public understood that
as I had to step away'.”

Anyone, help! Am I imaging things or is it written somewhere that whomever contacted AJ did so because they were familiar with him since RR had him do some work? I’ve looked and looked can’t just find the quote.

But if this is correct, as RR was a victim that would be the conflict of interest, would it not?

And on the topic of not finding something, I happened to watch a NG interview (as much as I’ve made it my personal mission to avoid her at all costs) and she made a excellent point but I can’t find a full video to prove it to myself. She said when LAPD approached NR announcing he was under arrest, he immediately put his hands up in the air, as if he was anticipating an arrest to occur.

Her point was if he was mentally impaired in any way he wouldn’t have understood what was going on nor cooperated so readily. This follows what I noticed of the somewhat sideways, leery glance at the older man in the gas station, as if NR suspected he was an undercover officer.
JMO

 

[SaraSmile]

Anyone, help! Am I imaging things or is it written somewhere that whomever contacted AJ did so because they were familiar with him since RR had him do some work? I’ve looked and looked can’t just find the quote.

But if this is correct, as RR was a victim that would be the conflict of interest, would it not?

And on the topic of not finding something, I happened to watch a NG interview (as much as I’ve made it my personal mission to avoid her at all costs) and she made a excellent point but I can’t find a full video to prove it to myself. She said when LAPD approached NR announcing he was under arrest, he immediately put his hands up in the air, as if he was anticipating an arrest to occur.

Her point was if he was mentally impaired in any way he wouldn’t have understood what was going on nor cooperated so readily. This follows what I noticed of the somewhat sideways, leery glance at the older man in the gas station, as if NR suspected he was an undercover officer.
JMO

Yes, with AJ exiting, probably because $ was blocked from Reiner estate to Nick’s defense, Nick had no money.
Plus, as you noted above, I’ve also wondered how AJ would have navigated a trial? He would have supported Nick’s defense, meanwhile both Jake and Romy are witnesses and victims, and Rob and Michele are both the murder victims. All too enmeshed, seems like a conflict of interest to me, as well.
I wish AJ would go away now, he can write a book after the is case over, after Nick goes away for life. AJ’s book “ If I was the defense attorney” he could detail how he would have “ won” the case for Nick, haha.

 

[LinasK]

Yes, with AJ exiting, probably because $ was blocked from Reiner estate to Nick’s defense, Nick had no money.
Plus, as you noted above, I’ve also wondered how AJ would have navigated a trial? He would have supported Nick’s defense, meanwhile both Jake and Romy are witnesses and victims, and Rob and Michele are both the murder victims. All too enmeshed, seems like a conflict of interest to me, as well.
I wish AJ would go away now, he can write a book after the is case over, after Nick goes away for life. AJ’s book “ If I was the defense attorney” he could detail how he would have “ won” the case for Nick, haha.

But if Nick refuses an NGRI defense, then Jackson couldn't do that. It's completely up to the defendant to call the shots in his own defense. Jodi Arias also didn't want to be seen as Insane.

 

[LinasK]

DBM- wrong post quoted.

 

[LinasK]

Yes, with AJ exiting, probably because $ was blocked from Reiner estate to Nick’s defense, Nick had no money.
Plus, as you noted above, I’ve also wondered how AJ would have navigated a trial? He would have supported Nick’s defense, meanwhile both Jake and Romy are witnesses and victims, and Rob and Michele are both the murder victims. All too enmeshed, seems like a conflict of interest to me, as well.
I wish AJ would go away now, he can write a book after the is case over, after Nick goes away for life. AJ’s book “ If I was the defense attorney” he could detail how he would have “ won” the case for Nick, haha.

Come to think of it- it IS a conflict of interest for Jackson if he had previously represented Rob. Just like Donna Adelson and Rashbaum in Florida. The judge would have ordered Jackson off the case.

 

[SaraSmile]

But if Nick refuses an NGRI defense, then Jackson couldn't do that. It's completely up to the defendant to call the shots in his own defense. Jodi Arias also didn't want to be seen as Insane.

Yeah, you are right! Maybe that was part of AJs decision to exit. Maybe Nick was too crazy and combative with AJ on the defense strategy.

 

[Bigditch]

Dbm