Key Insights
- Incident Overview: Rob and Michele Reiner were found murdered in their home over two months ago.
- Legal Proceedings: Their son, Nick Reiner, has pleaded not guilty during his arraignment.
- Courtroom Behavior: Observers noted Nick’s disheveled appearance and demeanor during the court session.
- Mental Health Background: Nick has a documented history of mental health issues, which may influence his legal defense.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
It’s been over two months since Rob and Michele Reiner were found stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home.
Their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested for their murders, and today, he finally appeared in court for his arraignment.
Nick entered a plea of not guilty, as expected.
But what might be more noteworthy is the 32-year-old’s appearance and demeanor in the courtroom.
Nick Reiner appears with Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene during his arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court on February 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chris Torres-Pool/Getty Images)Observers described Nick as “gaunt” and “disheveled.”
According to Page Six, at one point he appeared to smirk.
To the surprise of many, he is still being represented by a public defender, Kimberley Greene.
Greene took over after famed defense attorney Alan Jackson abruptly withdrew from the case ahead of Nick’s first scheduled arraignment last month.
It was widely expected that Reiner would replace her with a more experienced (and expensive) lawyer, but now it looks as though
Honoree Rob Reiner poses with family at the 41st Annual Chaplin Award Gala at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on April 28, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)His next court appearance is scheduled for April 29.
Nick had been undergoing treatment for various mental health issues — including schizophrenia — for years ahead of the murders.
Insiders claim that in the weeks leading up to the murders, his doctors changed his medication after he complained of weight gain.
Unfortunately, the new meds caused Nick to behave more erratically than usual.
Sources close to the family claim that his parents — whom he lived with — were afraid of him toward the end of their lives.
Nick Reiner appears during his arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Los Angeles, California on February 23, 2026. (Photo by CHRIS TORRES / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)The situation came to a head at a holiday party hosted by Conan O’Brien, a friend and neighbor of the Reiners’.
Witnesses say Nick — who attended the party with his parents — was rude to the other guests and became irate with his father when Rob attempted to check his behavior.
The following afternoon, the Reiners’ daughter found them stabbed to death.
Nick’s plea of not guilty did not come as a surprise; however, legal experts predict that he will not deny committing the crimes.
Not guilty by reason of insanity is notoriously difficult to prove; however experts believe that Nick might have a chance due to how well-documented his history of mental illness is.
If the jury finds in his favor, he would likely be forced to spend the rest of his life in a psychiatric hospital but would probably prefer that outcome to prison.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
