Nick Reiner Supported by Mystery Family Member While Siblings Jake, Romy Distances From Him

Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder following the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner, who were fatally stabbed hours after attending a party. Reports following the arrest revealed that Nick has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for much of his life, has spent time in rehab and was later diagnosed with schizophrenia. Those struggles are said to have inspired a project that he and his late father worked on together years ago.

Rob and Michele's deaths shocked Hollywood, with several prominent figures mourning their passing. Their two other children, Jake and Romy, are understood to be among the most affected. Romy was reportedly the one who discovered Rob's body at the family home in Brentwood, California, and left the scene without knowing her mother had also been killed there.

No Support from Siblings

Following Nick's arrest, early reports suggested Jake and Romy had visited him in prison to offer support. However, more recent reporting indicates the two have since distanced themselves from their younger brother and have no plans to cover his legal costs.

Nick is instead being supported by Rob's younger sister, Annie Reiner, who was present at his arraignment while his older siblings were not. Annie was permitted into the courtroom and was seen exchanging a brief greeting with Nick from a distance. A source said Jake and Romy have taken a firm stance.

'You could say it's a feud and it's really the three other kids deciding that they aren't going to be supporting the person who [allegedly] killed their parents. They have made it black and white — you're either on that side or you're on Nick's side. If you're on Nick's side, they don't want anything to do with you. Annie has been clear that she's supporting Nick and that's offensive to the others,' the source said.

Controversial Courtroom Smirk

A separate source said Annie had not maintained a close relationship with Rob's family for many years. As a psychoanalyst, however, she may have a particular understanding of her nephew's circumstances. It has also been suggested that Nick's expression in the courtroom, which drew attention at the time, may have been directed at his aunt rather than reflecting indifference to the proceedings.

What's Next for Nick Reiner?

Nick is scheduled to return to court on 29 April, when lawyers will attempt to arrange a preliminary hearing at which prosecutors are expected to present the main evidence supporting the charges. A judge will then determine whether there is sufficient basis for the case to proceed to trial. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta will oversee the proceedings. Prosecutors have indicated the case may take additional time, as they are still awaiting a complete autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. If convicted on two counts of murder, Nick could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, though District Attorney Nathan Hochman has said a final decision on whether to seek capital punishment has not yet been made.

According to reports, Nick's murder defence could be ruined by one key detail. Eyewitnesses revealed that he got into a heated argument with his parents while at O'Brien's party. Legal expert Neama Ramhani told Us Weekly that this could be fatal in the 32-year-old's defence.