Nick Reiner Was Under a Conservatorship Years Before Rob and Michele Reiner’s Murders

Rob and Michele Reiner’s murders rocked Hollywood. News that their middle child, Nick Reiner, had been arrested in connection with the crime was even more shocking. In the early days after the murders, a murky picture of what was really going on behind the scenes emerged. That picture has gotten clearer over time. The younger Reiner shared his struggle with substance abuse in Being Charlie. Still, there was a deeper mental health issue going on behind the scenes. It was so serious that it led to a conservatorship years before Michele and Rob Reiner were slain inside their own home.

Nick Reiner was under a conservatorship in 2020

Early reports initially indicated that Nick Reiner’s mental health struggles were a relatively recent development. As more is being learned about the man accused of killing both of his parents, the more it becomes clear that the younger Reiner’s mental health issues were longstanding and a well-guarded secret among the Hollywood elite.

The New York Times reported that Nick Reiner was under a conservatorship in 2020. Many people are familiar with the conservatorships of Amanda Bynes, Britney Spears, and Wendy Williams, who have been under conservatorship at different times. Reiner’s conservatorship was a bit different. Then, in his 20s, Nick Reiner was placed under a conservatorship using the  Lanterman-Petris-Short Act. This type of hold allows a conservator to step in and ensure the ill person is getting the care they require. The conservatorship is only applied to those deemed so gravely ill that they are incapable of providing for themselves at the most basic level. The conservatorship lasted for a year. A court-appointed guardian oversaw Nick Reiner’s care.

What is his diagnosis?

Back in 2016, when Rob and his son were promoting his film, Being Charlie, they opened up about Nick Reiner’s battle with drugs. His journey to sobriety had not been smooth. It was dotted with dozens of rehab stays, periods of homelessness, and other significant issues. The father and son duo never mentioned mental health concerns. Even if implied, they certainly never discussed any concerns that would be severe enough to warrant involuntary care.

Apparently, that was what was going on in more recent years. While it was unknown prior to the murders, insiders told several outlets that Nick Reiner was under the care of a psychiatrist when the murders occurred, and theorized that a medication change may have destabilized him. According to TMZ, the younger Reiner had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a mental health disorder that includes hallucinations as well as mood disturbances. The outlet alleges the 32-year-old’s medication had been switched after he complained of weight gain side effects. It is unclear why the younger Reiner was not in inpatient care while his mediation was being tweaked.

Nick Reiner is expected to plead not guilty. He is currently being defended by a public defender after his private counsel, Alan Jackson, stepped down from the case.