UPDATE: In a shocking twist, siblings of Nick Reiner are pleading for mercy as he faces two counts of first-degree murder for the brutal stabbing deaths of their parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, on December 14, 2023. Despite the horrific nature of the crime, Jake and Romy Reiner believe their brother was suffering from a serious mental health crisis at the time of the incident, according to a family friend.
The tragic events unfolded in the Reiners’ $10 million Brentwood mansion, where Nick, aged 32, is accused of attacking his parents. Reports indicate that Nick had recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was undergoing a medication adjustment that may have exacerbated his condition. A source close to the family revealed, “The Reiners’ family, despite everything, do not want Nick to get the death penalty, as they insist this horrific incident was the byproduct of a mental health crisis.”
Nick’s siblings are now advocating for him to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, arguing that the tragedy stemmed from a significant failure in his psychiatric care. The insider emphasized, “This was all a massive failure in his care and they firmly believe he was seriously ill when he did this.” The family is calling for justice through treatment rather than punishment, stating that the death penalty would only add to their suffering.
As the case develops, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman is pursuing “special circumstances” that could make Nick eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole. However, due to California’s current moratorium on executions, established by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019, Nick would not face execution even if the death penalty is sought.
The circumstances surrounding the murders are harrowing. Rob Reiner’s time of death was logged at 3:45 PM, followed by Michele just a minute later. The couple was discovered by their daughter Romy after a massage therapist arrived for an appointment but received no response. Upon entering their home, Romy found her father first, leading to a scene that has left the family and community in shock.
Nick Reiner was located and taken into custody at approximately 9:15 PM near Exposition Park, about 14 miles from the crime scene. Surveillance footage shows him appearing distressed while purchasing a drink shortly before his arrest.
In a statement released shortly after the tragedy, Jake and Romy expressed their gratitude for the community’s support, while requesting respect for their family’s privacy. They emphasized the need for compassion during this devastating time, stating, “We now ask for respect and privacy… and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived.”
As Nick prepares for his arraignment today, attention turns to how the court will navigate the complexities of this case, particularly in light of the family’s desire for mental health treatment over the death penalty. The emotional weight of this situation is palpable, and the Reiner family hopes to prevent further tragedies in the future.
With the legal proceedings set to unfold, all eyes are on the Reiner family as they navigate their unimaginable loss while advocating for their brother’s mental health needs. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for discussions around mental illness and the justice system.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
