A sealed medical order signed Friday could delay the murder trial of 32‑year‑old Nick Reiner, who is charged with killing his parents, the celebrated director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner.
Judicial Order and Mental Health
The judge overseeing the early stages of Reiner’s prosecution signed a sealed and confidential medical order on Friday. Sources with direct knowledge of the case confirmed that Reiner was being treated for schizophrenia at the time of the killings. They added that Reiner had been diagnosed years ago and was receiving medication. The medication was changed or adjusted before the murders, though the exact timing was not disclosed.
Charges and Arrest
Reiner was charged Tuesday with first‑degree murder in the deaths of Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, whose bodies were discovered Sunday inside their home. The indictment includes a special circumstances allegation of multiple murders and an additional claim that a knife was used during the killings, which occurred early Sunday morning. After the arrest, Reiner was taken to Exposition Park, south of downtown Los Angeles and about 15 miles southeast of Brentwood.
Investigation Details
Two of the sources confirmed that, as of Friday, the murder weapon had not been located. They noted that the weapon would have limited investigative value given other evidence and statements to authorities. The medical examiner reported that the deaths were caused by a sharp object, and the coroner’s office ruled the manner of death a homicide caused by ”multiple sharp force injuries.”
Family and Public Reaction
The killings stunned the Hollywood community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from industry colleagues and political figures. Rob Reiner, a celebrated director known for films such as ”When Harry Met Sally…”, ”A Few Good Men”, and ”This Is Spinal Tap”, and Michele Reiner, a talent photographer and producer, were both honored posthumously. Sources told NBC News that Reiner had been disruptive at the party where the murders occurred.
Background on Nick Reiner
Reiner, the second of the couple’s three children, has a documented history of drug addiction that began in his teens. In a 2016 interview with People, he described cycling in and out of treatment facilities and experiencing bouts of homelessness and relapse. He said, ”I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun,” adding that, ”If I wanted to do it my way and not go to the programs they were suggesting, then I had to be homeless.”
Reiner and Rob Reiner collaborated on a 2015 coming‑of‑age film, ”Being Charlie”, which explored the father‑son relationship. In a 2016 interview with the Associated Press, Rob reflected on the project, saying, ”It forced us to understand ourselves better than we had,” Rob Reiner told the AP. ”I told Nick while we were making it, I said, ‘You know it doesn’t matter, whatever happens to this thing, we have already won already. This has already been good.’ We’ve worked through a lot of stuff.”
Key Takeaways
- A sealed medical order signed Friday may delay Reiner’s trial.
- Reiner faces first‑degree murder charges with potential capital punishment.
- The weapon remains missing, but other evidence points to a knife.
The case continues to unfold as investigators seek additional evidence and the legal process moves forward.
