Nick Reiner was receiving treatment for schizophrenia before the killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, according to multiple reports.
Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths. The Los Angeles Times and KNBC reported, citing sources, that he was being treated for schizophrenia. NBC reported that he was first diagnosed years ago and had been treated with medication. TMZ also reported that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was taking medication at the time of his parents’ deaths.
Rob and Michele were killed at their Los Angeles home in the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 14, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.
The New York Times reported that the couple’s daughter, Romy, discovered her father’s body after a massage therapist was unable to reach her parents and called. The newspaper said Romy quickly fled the home without realizing her mother had also been stabbed, learning that detail later from a paramedic.
Nick was arrested near the University of Southern California several hours after his parents were found dead. He remains in custody and is being held without bail. He briefly appeared in court on Wednesday, Dec. 17, where he agreed to waive his right to a speedy arraignment. He has not entered a plea.
During the appearance, Nick was seated behind glass and appeared in shackles and a blue anti-suicide smock.
Sources have said that Rob and Nick had a “very loud argument” at a party at Conan O’Brien’s home on Saturday night, just hours before the alleged killings. One source described Nick as behaving erratically and repeatedly asking guests if they were famous.
Rob and Michele had been married since 1989, after meeting while he was directing When Harry Met Sally. They had three children together: Jake, Romy and Nick. Rob also adopted his daughter Tracy during his first marriage to director Penny Marshall.
In addition to When Harry Met Sally…, Rob directed films including The Princess Bride and Stand By Me, and starred on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family.
