UPDATE: Nick Reiner’s siblings are urgently advocating for their “seriously ill” brother to avoid the death penalty, despite the horrific murder of their parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, on December 14, 2023. A family friend revealed that Jake and Romy Reiner believe Nick’s mental health crisis played a crucial role in the tragic events.
Nick, aged 32, is accused of brutally stabbing his parents to death in their $10 million Brentwood mansion. He faces two counts of first-degree murder and could be sentenced to death, but his siblings are pushing for a different outcome. They insist that Nick’s actions were the result of his long-standing struggle with mental illness, including a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia.
According to the family friend, Nick had been under psychiatric care and was experiencing severe symptoms exacerbated by a new medication regimen. “The family feels this was all a massive failure in his care,” the source stated, emphasizing that they believe he was “seriously ill” when the alleged stabbings occurred.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Jake and Romy expressed their desire for compassion, stating, “The last thing the Reiners want is another killing in the face of this unbelievable tragedy.” They are advocating for Nick to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, urging that justice should come in the form of treatment rather than execution.
“It won’t bring back Rob and Michele,” the family friend emphasized.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan J. Hochman, is weighing the option of pursuing “special circumstances,” which could make Nick eligible for the death penalty. However, under California’s current moratorium on executions, established by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019, Nick would not face execution even if convicted.
As the situation develops, Nick is set to be arraigned today—three weeks after the murders. The family is committed to highlighting the importance of mental health care, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Details of the brutal attack reveal that Rob and Michele were found shortly after they died, with their deaths recorded at 3:45 PM and 3:46 PM respectively. The scene was discovered by a massage therapist after she was unable to reach the couple.
Romy, who arrived at the residence shortly after the therapist, tragically found her parents in bed, having suffered fatal injuries. LAPD authorities reported that Nick was not found at the scene initially but was later apprehended about 14 miles away, near Exposition Park, around 9:15 PM.
As the community grapples with the shock of this double homicide, the Reiner family is calling for respect and privacy during this painful time. Their public statement highlights the need for understanding and compassion as they navigate the complexities of their family tragedy.
The Reiner siblings are steadfast in their belief that treatment should be prioritized over punishment, a sentiment that reflects the growing conversation around mental health and accountability in the justice system. As this case unfolds, the family’s plea for compassion may resonate with many facing similar challenges.
