URGENT UPDATE: Nick Reiner’s siblings, Jake and Romy, are pleading for their “seriously ill” brother to avoid the death penalty, despite the shocking allegations that he murdered their parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, in their $10 million Brentwood mansion on December 14, 2023. Family friend reports reveal that the siblings believe Nick’s mental health struggles were a significant factor in this tragic incident.
Authorities confirm that Nick, who has battled severe drug addiction and was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia, faces two counts of first-degree murder. The alleged stabbings occurred shortly after a new medication regimen exacerbated his mental health crisis, leading to erratic behavior just weeks before the incident.
A source close to the Reiner family disclosed, “Despite everything, Rob and Michele’s family do not want Nick to face the death penalty. They insist that this horrific incident was the tragic result of a mental health crisis.” The family believes that Nick was in a vulnerable state due to a recent adjustment in his psychiatric care, which they assert contributed to his violent actions.
The siblings are advocating for Nick to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, seeking treatment rather than punishment. They emphasize the need for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “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 and will not bring back Rob and Michele.”
Nick is scheduled to be arraigned today, three weeks after the devastating events. In a heartfelt statement, Romy and Jake expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received but urged for respect and compassion during this difficult time. “We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity,” they said.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan J. Hochman, is considering “special circumstances” that could render Nick eligible for the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. However, under California’s current moratorium on executions, imposed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019, it’s unlikely that he would face execution, even if prosecutors pursue the death penalty.
Criminal defense attorney Jo-Anna Nieves explained that while the death penalty remains legally available, the state has paused all executions, including lethal injection protocols. “California still has the death penalty on the books, and prosecutors are permitted to seek it in eligible cases,” she noted.
The tragic details surrounding the murders reveal the severity of the situation. Rob and Michele Reiner suffered fatal stab wounds just minutes apart, with death certificates confirming Rob’s time of death as 3:45 PM and Michele’s at 3:46 PM. Their bodies were discovered by their daughter Romy, who arrived at their home after a massage therapist could not gain entry.
Los Angeles police learned that Nick lived with his parents but could not locate him at the crime scene. He was apprehended later that evening, around 9:15 PM, approximately 14 miles away from the residence. Surveillance footage from a gas station captured him appearing anxious while purchasing a drink shortly before his arrest.
As this tragic case unfolds, the Reiner family hopes to bring attention to mental health issues and advocate for effective treatment options. The public is urged to follow the developments closely as the arraignment proceeds.
