The investigation into the shocking double homicide of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, has taken a devastating turn.
Multiple reports have now surfaced claiming that Nick Reiner, the couple’s 32-year-old son who has been charged with their murders, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Sources close to the family allege that a recent change in his medication may have been the catalyst for his rapid mental decline in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.
According to My News LA, Nick had been under the care of a psychiatrist but began displaying “erratic and dangerous” behavior approximately one month ago after doctors adjusted his prescription. Sources claim the medication switch left him “out of his head,” a state reportedly exacerbated by substance abuse issues.
“I’m Petrified of Him”
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The most heartbreaking revelation comes from reports regarding Rob Reiner’s own fears.
An unnamed A-list celebrity who attended the couple’s memorial service earlier this week told the Daily Mail that Rob had confided in them just hours before his death. While attending Conan O’Brien’s holiday party on Saturday night, the evening before the bodies were found, Rob reportedly admitted he was terrified of his son.
“I’m petrified of [Nick],” Rob reportedly said. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I’m afraid of my son. I think my own son can hurt me.”
This fear aligns with reports that the Reiners were reluctant to leave Nick alone in their Brentwood guest house, where he had been living under “watchful supervision.”8 It was this concern that reportedly led them to bring him to the party, where witnesses say Nick acted “crazy,” asking guests if they were famous and having a bizarre confrontation with comedian Bill Hader.
The Insanity Defense?
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The revelation of a schizophrenia diagnosis could fundamentally shift the legal strategy.
Nick is facing two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, which makes him eligible for the death penalty or life without parole. However, legal experts now believe his high-profile defense attorney, Alan Jackson, may pursue a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse earlier this week, Jackson alluded to the difficult path ahead. “There are some very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case,” Jackson said, urging the public not to rush to judgment.
A History of Struggle
While the schizophrenia diagnosis is new information, the Reiner family’s struggle with Nick’s mental health was no secret.
Father and son famously collaborated on the 2015 film Being Charlie, which documented Nick’s teenage battles with drug addiction and homelessness. At the time, the project was seen as a healing exercise. Now, it serves as a grim record of a family that fought for years to save their son, only to meet a tragic end.
Nick Reiner is currently being held without bail. His arraignment has been postponed to January 7, 2026, where he is expected to enter a plea.
This is a developing story. We will update as more information becomes available.