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

[Luna20]

It's fascinating to me, that this 2o minute pilot for the Dick Van Dyke Show was all based upon Father/Son relations.

It was written by Carl Reiner and based upon his own relationship with Rob Reiner. And the trials and tribulations were very much like Rob and Nick's issues.

In the pilot, young Rob had emotional issues around his feelings about his father, the famous comedy writer. Young Rob was upset that his father never threw the ball with him like other friend's dads, and he never went to see his little league games on Sundays. His father Carl said " I can't--my show is filmed every Sunday."

Young Rob routinely hid in closets and refused to come out when he was upset at his Dad. He told his Mom that he didnt like Dad. His Dad's first instinct when discussing what to do was " I will have to buy him a pony. Later in the show he said " Maybe I'll have to buy him a sportscar." So Dad's reaction to not being loved is to bribe him.

His wife said "you cannot rekindle his love with bribery."

The Dad was so surprised when his son said " I don't like you, Daddy."
He said to his wife " how could he not like me. Everyone loves me. Every week 30 million people enjoy things I wrote ..."

So the theme was right there between Grandpa Carl and Rob Reiner. And we saw it play out again with Rob and his son Nick.

So glad you found this Katy. This was talked about and I don’t recall what network covered it but this is more detailed. It puts a different spin on it. I’m not saying that Nick isn’t responsible but it offers some insight into the big picture.

 

[katydid23]

So glad you found this Katy. This was talked about and I don’t recall what network covered it but this is more detailed. It puts a different spin on it. I’m not saying that Nick isn’t responsible but it offers some insight into the big picture.

Yes, it kind of helped me understand Rob's tendencies towards just rewarding Nick's behaviour. It seems that Rob learned from his own father that one could show love by offering gifts and being generous. He stuck by that even when Nick was wild and unruly because it was the way his Dad showed him love?

 

[Chimera]

I truly feel for the victims in this case whom it seemed were at their wit's end ?

Thanks for painting a larger picture, @katydid23 .

 

[Dotta]

If he is suffering from schizophrenia
it seems to me these rehabs were not adequate to treat him.

They help addicts, sure,
but not severely mentally ill people.

The right place for such cases are only psychiatric hospitals with MH specialists,
meaning psychiatrists.

JMO

 

[katydid23]

If he is suffering from schizophrenia
it seems to me these rehabs were not adequate to treat him.

They help addicts, sure,
but not severely mentally ill people.

The right place for such cases are only psychiatric hospitals with MH specialists,
meaning psychiatrists.

JMO

Which came first? The Schizophrenia or the drug abuse?

I don't think he was schizophrenic as a child. Or as a teen. I think there is a possibility that he began abusing hard drugs first and then had drug induced schizoid episodes. IMO

There are many studies showing that even heavy marijuana use can trigger schizophrenia. Pot these days is so much stronger than the old kind we smoked 40 and 50 years ago. It is sooooooo much stronger now.

 

[katydid23]

Which came first? The Schizophrenia or the drug abuse?

I don't think he was schizophrenic as a child. Or as a teen. I think there is a possibility that he began abusing hard drugs first and then had drug induced schizoid episodes. IMO

There are many studies showing that even heavy marijuana use can trigger schizophrenia. Pot these days is so much stronger than the old kind we smoked 40 and 50 years ago. It is sooooooo much stronger now.

Behind the Smoke: Unmasking the Link Between Cannabis and Schizophrenia

The link between cannabis and its effects on mental health, particularly schizophrenia, continues to spark debate. While many tout marijuana’s calming effects,

medicine.yale.edu

More Than Just a High: The Cannabis-Schizophrenia Link​

Beyond the “high” associated with marijuana, many users report paranoia or hallucinations while under the influence. This is due to the active component, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC binds to receptors in the brain and triggers a series of reactions in brain cells. Typically, these effects fade after the high wears off, but in some cases, they may last longer, leading to what’s known as cannabis-induced psychosis.

In high-risk individuals, cannabis can disrupt brain development and lead to conditions like schizophrenia—a severe mental illness characterized by long-term hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. A Finnish study of 18,000 individuals with cannabis-induced psychosis found that nearly 50% were later diagnosed with schizophrenia (1). Other studies confirm that regular use, especially of high-potency



Heavy, frequent, and high-potency marijuana use is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia
and other psychotic disorders, particularly in vulnerable individuals or young adults. Studies indicate that regular, high-potency cannabis use can increase schizophrenia risk by four times, and it may cause earlier onset of the illness.


Key details regarding the link between heavy marijuana use and schizophrenia include:
Dose-Response Relationship: More frequent use of higher-potency cannabis products is associated with a greater risk of developing schizophrenia.

Vulnerable Populations: Adolescents and young adults (especially young men) with cannabis use disorder face the highest risks.

Impact on the Brain: Marijuana use, particularly high-THC content, can interfere with adolescent brain development and alter dopamine-related brain signals, acting as a catalyst for psychosis.

Evidence of Link: A 2023 study found that as many as 30% of schizophrenia cases in men aged 21-30 might be associated with cannabis use disorder.

Not Sole Cause: While a significant environmental risk factor, schizophrenia is multifactorial, and marijuana usually acts in conjunction with genetic predisposition.

 

[LadyL]

I believe the schizophrenia came first. And then illegal drugs and alcohol were used to self-medicate. Of course they exasperated his condition and interfered with any legal medications he was on. JMO.

 

[lohrtabitha]

Which came first? The Schizophrenia or the drug abuse?

I don't think he was schizophrenic as a child. Or as a teen. I think there is a possibility that he began abusing hard drugs first and then had drug induced schizoid episodes. IMO

There are many studies showing that even heavy marijuana use can trigger schizophrenia. Pot these days is so much stronger than the old kind we smoked 40 and 50 years ago. It is sooooooo much stronger now.

Drug abuse is a disease. Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness. Anyway one can sway it, he was suffering from not just one but two handicaps. I hope that Nick does get NGRI . In my opinion, he can finally get treated for both ailments and be forced to do the therapy and take his meds. He probably will be there for life and it won't be easy for him to get released as many people think.He probably will die in there. Studies show that those who get NGRI spend just amount the same time in mental institutions as they would in prison.

The Insanity Defense: It’s Not What You Think | Criminal Legal News

 

[Justice101]

Which came first? The Schizophrenia or the drug abuse?

I don't think he was schizophrenic as a child. Or as a teen. I think there is a possibility that he began abusing hard drugs first and then had drug induced schizoid episodes. IMO

There are many studies showing that even heavy marijuana use can trigger schizophrenia. Pot these days is so much stronger than the old kind we smoked 40 and 50 years ago. It is sooooooo much stronger now.

Yes agree!

1979 when I first smoked = THC was 4%, now it is 20% or higher

 

[MistyWaters]

Drug abuse is a disease. Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness. Anyway one can sway it, he was suffering from not just one but two handicaps. I hope that Nick does get NGRI . In my opinion, he can finally get treated for both ailments and be forced to do the therapy and take his meds. He probably will be there for life and it won't be easy for him to get released as many people think.He probably will die in there. Studies show that those who get NGRI spend just amount the same time in mental institutions as they would in prison.

The Insanity Defense: It’s Not What You Think | Criminal Legal News

It’s not that simple, the reason has already been hashed over. Merely being diagnosed with schizophrenia does not automatically deem a person must’ve been ‘legally insane’ at the time they committed murder. If the prosecution is able to prove NR deliberately murdered his parents that doesn’t qualify for a NGRI defense and he should be found guilty of two counts of homicide.

It’s absolutely a sad state of affairs when two people have to sacrifice their lives in order for their son to receive mental health treatment in a hospital when he can receive medication in prison. This isn’t about making him well, sadly there’s no cure and there’s no going back.
JMO

 

[doublestop]

WOW
That was a very telling pilot, written by Carl Reiner, all about his relationship with his son, Rob Reiner.

It was fascinating, given what we've seen about how Rob tried to negotiate his relationship with his son.

If you go to the link below, there is a 20 minute u-tube of the pilot written by Carl Reiner and it is all about Father/Son relationships and it is fascinating stuff given how things played out.

https://www.vulture.com/2013/03/head-of-the-family-the-pilot-for-the-dick-van-dyke-show-starring-carl-reiner.html

This is fiction, and it's about the fictional child Ritchie, not Rob. I don't see how we can make a connection to Rob's relationship with his own son, Nick.

 

[lohrtabitha]

It’s not that simple, the reason has already been hashed over. Merely being diagnosed with schizophrenia does not automatically deem a person must’ve been ‘legally insane’ at the time they committed murder. If the prosecution is able to prove NR deliberately murdered his parents that doesn’t qualify for a NGRI defense and he should be found guilty of two counts of homicide.

It’s absolutely a sad state of affairs when two people have to sacrifice their lives in order for their son to receive mental health treatment in a hospital when he can receive medication in prison. This isn’t about making him well, sadly there’s no cure and there’s no going back.
JMO

I appreciate your opinion. The beauty of having a12 person jury is that the team will have differing opinions that can be all expressed and heard about Nick. This is the democratic way. One person's view point doesn't decide someone's fate. Everyone can listen to differing judgments and experiences. I like how websleuthers can present factual articles and even personal experiences in which everyone can learn from and even if they are ones you might not agree with. IMO

 

[tlcya]

IMO it doesn't really matter if the schizophrenia was completely organic or if a tendency within NR was awoken by his own drug abuse. What matter IMO is that he has it now, regardless of causation. Based solely on what little we know right now, and subject to change if and when concrete facts come out, I would be satisfied with NGRI as long as it resulted in him being placed in a secured mental health facility.

JMO

 

[Seattle1]

1/28/26

Reiner’s former roommate says Nick “hated his parents” and “had anger towards the fame”​

 

[BUF]

1/28/26

Reiner’s former roommate says Nick “hated his parents” and “had anger towards the fame”​

It’s always interesting to hear what his usual guest retired FBI agent Maureen has to say. Starts around 4:40 (at your link)…..

 

[Luna20]

1/28/26

Reiner’s former roommate says Nick “hated his parents” and “had anger towards the fame”​

For whatever reason it was the last straw for Nick that night. I still think he didn’t want to go to the party and he intentionally acted out because of that. The specific verbiage that he chose “are you famous” was telling. He then gets called out with multiple people seeing it and he becomes embarrassed and resentful. Then he decides to take out his fatal revenge.

It’s my take on it.

 

[Chimera]

1/28/26

Reiner’s former roommate says Nick “hated his parents” and “had anger towards the fame”​

Just so reprehensible.
After all they sacrificed for him.
Without the fame/success, they wouldn't have had the funds to try to help him in the way they did.

But Nick was happy to continue to take their money.

Omo.

 

[lohrtabitha]

1/28/26

Reiner’s former roommate says Nick “hated his parents” and “had anger towards the fame”​

At 15 years old, there are many teens who have said I hate my parents. My mom is my best friend now but in high school we argued tons and I recall I told her I hated her several times. i also recall many of my friends saying the same thing. Did we mean it? Most likely not. When my son was in middle school and I grounded him he also told me he hated me. I think it is more common than not so in my opinion, this is just more of a smear campaign and money grabbing ploy. I wonder if this roommate made any money from his interviews? MOO

I Hate My Mom: Underlying Emotions Behind Your Child's Words

Children may lash out when coping with strong emotions. Practicing empathy and reinforcing boundaries may help them communicate in healthier ways.

psychcentral.com

 

[tlcya]

At 15 years old, there are many teens who have said I hate my parents. My mom is my best friend now but in high school we argued tons and I recall I told her I hated her several times. i also recall many of my friends saying the same thing. Did we mean it? Most likely not. When my son was in middle school and I grounded him he also told me he hated me. I think it is more common than not so in my opinion, this is just more of a smear campaign and money grabbing ploy. I wonder if this roommate made any money from his interviews? MOO

I Hate My Mom: Underlying Emotions Behind Your Child's Words

Children may lash out when coping with strong emotions. Practicing empathy and reinforcing boundaries may help them communicate in healthier ways.

psychcentral.com

Right? I am waiting for the door dash driver that delivered his last pizza to give an interview about the interaction.

 

[BUF]

When parents get brutally murdered by their 32 yr old son, I would think that remarks made by him starting as a teen and onward about how he hated his parents would be evidence that would be presented at trial, along with all the other evidence.

Not all teens that said they hated their parents grew up to brutally murder them.

moo