Nick Reiner Aware of Killings but Confused About Jail
Nick Reiner reportedly knows that he killed his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner, but does not understand why he is in jail, according to sources with direct knowledge who spoke to TMZ. Sources say Reiner is deeply disconnected from reality and believes there is a conspiracy against him involving those responsible for his arrest and detention.
Alleged Delusions and Conspiracy Beliefs
According to TMZ’s sources, Reiner is described as delusional and convinced that the people who put him behind bars are working together against him. These beliefs are said to be part of a broader mental health crisis that worsened in the weeks leading up to the killings.
Medication Change and Mental Health Crisis
Sources claim Reiner’s mental state deteriorated about a month before the murders, when doctors changed the medication he was taking for schizoaffective disorder. This serious mental illness can involve hallucinations, delusions, and manic episodes. The medication change allegedly made him more erratic and dangerous, and sources say his current treatment is still not properly stabilizing him.
Insanity Defense Explained
Reiner’s legal team was reportedly preparing a not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity defense. This legal strategy does not require proving that the defendant didn’t know right from wrong. Instead, the key issue is whether he understood the nature and quality of his actions. Even if the acts were planned, a jury could still return a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Documentary Explores the Case
More details are examined in TMZ Investigates: The Reiner Murders: What Really Happened, which airs Friday night on FOX and begins streaming Saturday on Hulu.
