Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old accused of brutally murdering his parents, Hollywood director Rob Reiner and producer Michele Reiner, has been described as being in a delirious and 'almost childlike' state while incarcerated, according to insiders familiar with the case.
Alleged Killer 'Not Competent' for Trial
TMZ executive producer Harvey Levin revealed on Monday's broadcast of Fox & Friends that the alleged perpetrator is currently 'not competent to stand trial right now'. Levin elaborated that Reiner appears 'almost childlike in jail' and seems unable to process the consequences of his actions or comprehend his current situation, despite reportedly being aware of what he did.
'He just can't understand where he is right now, and I know that sounds crazy, but he is out of his head right now,' Levin stated, characterising the defendant's mental state as profoundly disturbed.
Details of the Brutal Attack Emerge
The horrific incident occurred on December 14 at the Reiners' home in the affluent Brentwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles. The couple were discovered dead by their horrified daughter, Romy, 28. Nick Reiner was arrested later that same day on suspicion of their murders.
Levin described the killings as 'incredibly brutal', noting that contacts within the medical examiner's office had been traumatised merely by viewing photographic evidence. He suggested the violence bore 'all the markings of a meth murder', indicating that Nick had been using the hard drug at the time and that the attack displayed a level of strength and frenzy beyond normal capacity.
'If he were just Nick Reiner without something additional, the carnage wouldn't have been the way it was,' Levin commented, though he clarified this was not yet officially confirmed.
Legal Proceedings and Defence Strategy
Nick Reiner has been formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors have added special circumstances of multiple murders and the use of a dangerous weapon—a knife. These enhancements mean that, if convicted, Reiner could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty.
Reiner, who has a documented diagnosis of schizophrenia and a history of substance abuse which he has discussed publicly, is expected to enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. He has appeared in court wearing a blue anti-suicide vest.
In a significant development, his high-profile attorney, Alan Jackson, resigned from the case earlier this month, citing 'circumstances beyond our control' that made continued representation impossible. However, in a brief news conference on January 7, Jackson made a striking declaration about his former client.
'What we've learned, and you can take this to the bank, is that pursuant to the laws of this state, pursuant to the law of California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that,' Jackson stated, though he refused to elaborate on his meaning or take questions.
A Hollywood Legacy Cut Short
The victims, Rob and Michele Reiner, were a celebrated Hollywood couple. Rob Reiner, 78, was the acclaimed director behind classic films such as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally. Michele Reiner, 70, was an accomplished photographer, producer, and a dedicated activist for LGBT rights.
Married in 1989, they were parents to three children: Jake, 34, Nick, 32, and Romy, 28. In a heart-wrenching joint statement, Jake and Romy expressed their profound grief.
'Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,' they wrote. 'The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends.'
The siblings expressed gratitude for the widespread support they have received and asked for privacy, urging the public to treat speculation with 'compassion and humanity'. They emphasised their desire for their parents to be remembered for the 'incredible lives they lived and the love' they gave.
The case continues to unfold, with the central question of Nick Reiner's mental competency likely to dominate the forthcoming legal proceedings.
