UPDATE: Nick Reiner’s siblings are urgently advocating for their “seriously ill” brother to avoid the death penalty, despite the shocking murders of their parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. A family friend revealed to The U.S. Sun that siblings Jake and Romy Reiner believe Nick’s mental health crisis played a crucial role in the tragic events of December 14.
Nick, 32, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder after he allegedly stabbed his parents to death in their $10 million Brentwood mansion. The family friend emphasized that Rob and Michele’s children do not want Nick to face the death penalty, insisting that this horrific incident stemmed from a severe mental health crisis.
Just weeks before the stabbings, Nick was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was undergoing psychiatric treatment. Reports indicate that a new medication regimen may have exacerbated his symptoms, leading to increasingly erratic behavior. According to the insider, “Nick’s symptoms took a turn for the worse after doctors adjusted his medication… the family believes this triggered increasingly concerning behavior.”
The Reiner family is pleading for compassion and understanding. “The last thing the Reiners want is another killing in the face of this unbelievable tragedy,” the source stated. “The death penalty would only bring more pain. It won’t bring back Rob and Michele.” They support a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, favoring treatment for Nick over punitive measures.
Today, Nick is set to be arraigned, marking three weeks since the tragedy. In a public statement following the murders, Romy and Jake expressed gratitude for the community’s support while requesting privacy and respect during this difficult time.
Authorities have confirmed that the Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan J. Hochman, is pursuing “special circumstances” in this case, which could make Nick eligible for the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. However, under California’s current moratorium on capital punishment established by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019, execution is not an immediate possibility.
Jo-Anna Nieves, a criminal defense attorney, clarified that while the moratorium halts executions, it does not eliminate the death penalty as an option. “Prosecutors are legally permitted to seek it in eligible cases,” she explained.
The tragic scene unfolded shortly after 3:45 PM on December 14, when a massage therapist, unable to reach the Reiner couple, contacted their daughter, Romy. Upon her arrival, she discovered both parents deceased, reportedly found in bed with fatal wounds.
Law enforcement arrived shortly after, and while searching for Nick, who had been living with his parents, he was not found at the residence. He was later apprehended around 9:15 PM near Exposition Park, approximately 14 miles from the crime scene. Surveillance footage captured him at a gas station, appearing visibly anxious.
As the case unfolds, the Reiner family remains hopeful that their brother can receive the help he needs. The focus is shifting toward mental health awareness, with Jake and Romy aiming to prevent future tragedies stemming from similar crises. The ongoing legal proceedings will not only determine Nick’s fate but could also catalyze a broader conversation about mental health treatment accessibility and support systems.
As this story develops, the Reiner family continues to call for compassion and understanding in the midst of unimaginable loss.
