Nick Reiner
Evidence of Schizoaffective Drugs Leading to Homicidal Behavior
Published
January 8, 2026
1:00 AM PST
Nick Reiner‘s mental breakdown in the weeks leading up to the murders of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is directly tied to a puzzling decision by doctors to change the medications he was taking for his mental illness, according to sources with direct knowledge who spoke to TMZ.
TMZ Studios
TMZ has released a new documentary titled “TMZ Investigates: The Reiner Murders: What Really Happened” which will air Friday at 8 PM ET on FOX. In the documentary, it is explained that Nick was diagnosed around 2020 with schizoaffective disorder, a condition that presents symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, along with mood disorder symptoms like mania and severe depression.
Sources indicate that a month before the murders, Nick was stable on his medications for schizoaffective disorder, and they were reportedly effective. However, for reasons unknown, his doctors decided to change his medications. Sources did not disclose why this decision was made but mentioned that the reason would be shocking and makes little sense.
The change in medications reportedly caused Nick to spiral into agitation, erratic behavior, and increasing danger. Sources say Rob and Michele were alarmed by these changes but felt unsure about how to respond.
TMZ.com
By the time of the murders, sources report that Nick had completely lost touch with reality. It is noted that doctors did not attempt to place Nick under a psychiatric hold while they were trying to adjust his medications and stabilize him.
This situation may form the basis of Nick’s defense—arguing that the doctors’ actions led him down a path of legal insanity. Under California law, a defendant does not need to prove they did not know the difference between right and wrong to use an insanity defense; they only need to demonstrate that they did not understand the nature and quality of their actions.
TMZ.com
“TMZ Investigates The Reiner Murders: What Really Happened” will air Friday night on FOX at 8 PM ET.
