Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old screenwriter charged with the murders of his parents, Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, is reportedly in a state of emotional numbness, described by sources as being "in a fog".
Charges and the crime scene
Nick Reiner was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the gruesome discovery of his parents' bodies in their Los Angeles home. The couple were found on Sunday with their throats slit in the master bedroom of their $13.5 million Brentwood mansion.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges, which include the special circumstance of multiple murders and the allegation that Reiner personally used a knife. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a decision on seeking the death penalty pending.
A son's reported mental state
As he awaits his arraignment in January, held without bail, insiders describe Nick Reiner's demeanour as strangely detached. He is said to be "calm" and "cognisant" yet profoundly "dazed", seemingly unable to process the enormity of the allegations against him.
A source told TMZ that he "isn't even close to processing what happened". This reported state of confusion follows claims that Reiner had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been receiving psychiatric treatment for mental health issues.
History of erratic behaviour and a fateful party
In the weeks leading up to the killings, Nick Reiner's conduct had reportedly become increasingly "alarming" and "dangerous". He had recently been treated at an exclusive Los Angeles rehabilitation centre specialising in mental health and substance dependency, which costs approximately $70,000 per month.
The tragic events unfolded after the family attended Conan O'Brien's Christmas party on Saturday evening. Reports indicate a heated argument involving Nick and his parents took place at the gathering. The following afternoon, a 999 call was made, and the couple's daughter, Romy, is said to have made the horrific discovery of her father's body.
Nick Reiner now remains in custody, with the entertainment world and public awaiting the next steps in a case that has shocked Hollywood and raised serious questions about mental health, family tragedy, and the justice system.
