New details are emerging on the days and weeks leading up to the murder of legendary film director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, which was allegedly carried out by the couple’s son, Nick.
On December 14, Rob, 78, and Michele, 70, were found stabbed to death inside their Brentwood home. Their bodies were reportedly discovered by their daughter, Romy, who told police that her brother should be a primary suspect.
Within hours, Nick Reiner was taken into custody and later charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
According to a new report from TMZ, Reiner had been diagnosed with schizophrenia a number of years ago and had been taking medication to manage it. Sources familiar with the matter told the outlet that approximately three to four weeks before the incident, his medication regimen was adjusted. This change reportedly led to increased instability in his behavior.
Sources have described how the adjustment process involved attempts by doctors to fine-tune the dosages to better control his symptoms, but during this period, the medications appeared to exacerbate certain issues rather than alleviate them.
Schizophrenia treatment often includes antipsychotic medications, which aim to reduce psychotic symptoms but can sometimes cause side effects such as restlessness, mood swings, or heightened agitation if not properly balanced. In Nick Reiner’s case, the shift in his prescription coincided with a period where he exhibited more pronounced difficulties.
Reiner also had a long-documented history of substance abuse and first entered a rehab facility at the age of 15.
While the exact medications involved have not been publicly disclosed, the overall effect was described as making him more unpredictable in the weeks leading up to the events.
Sources have recounted instances where he appeared agitated or disconnected, with behaviors that deviated from his usual patterns. This included reports of increased isolation, unpredictable mood shifts, and interactions that left others uneasy.
One specific incident that has been highlighted occurred the night before the deaths, at a holiday party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien in Los Angeles Witnesses described him acting erratically, while he at one point reportedly had a heated altercation with Saturday Night Live legend Bill Hader.
Attendees also reported a second argument with his father, which was audible to many guests and causing unease. The younger Reiner then abrutly stormed off and was not seen again until his arrest on Sunday night.
On December 17, Nick Reiner was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The charges include a special circumstance allegation for committing multiple murders, which under California law can elevate the potential penalties.
These enhancements make the case eligible for the death penalty or life without parole if convicted, though District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that no decision has yet been made on seeking capital punishment.
