Nick Reiner's Weight Gain Cited As Possible Factor In His Spiral And Alleged Killing Of His Parents
By Favour Adegoke on January 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST
Nick Reiner's weight gain may have played a role in his alleged killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
He is currently awaiting trial in connection with their deaths, as speculation continues to grow regarding the motive behind the tragic crime. Reiner is also reportedly convinced that his incarceration is part of a broader "conspiracy" against him, although he is aware of his crime.
Nick Reiner's next court appearance is scheduled for February, after his January 7 arraignment was rescheduled due to his hotshot lawyer quitting the case.
Nick Reiner Was Initially On A Medication That Made Him Gain Weight
As Nick Reiner continues to await trial in the deaths of his parents, more details have emerged about earlier reports that he was taking medication for schizophrenia prior to the double murders.
According to TMZ, Nick was initially on a medication that helped stabilize his condition but also had the added side effect of weight gain.
Upon noticing his increasing weight, the 32-year-old complained to his doctors about the side effect, which ultimately led them to change his medication to the one he was taking at the time of the killings.
Per the news outlet, the new medication sent Nick into an increasingly "erratic" and dangerous state that worsened as the days went on.
As Nick was living with his parents at the time, they were reportedly well aware of the alarming changes in their son's behavior. However, they were said to be unsure of what to do to help him get better.
Rob Reiner's Son Believes His Incarceration Is A 'Conspiracy' Even Though He Is Aware Of His Alleged Crime
At the moment, Nick is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, a jail located in downtown Los Angeles.
Upon his arrival, he was placed on suicide watch due to concerns about his mental health, and he even appeared wearing a suicide vest during his first court appearance last month.
Nick has since been removed from suicide watch, as operating standards dictate this occurs when an inmate does not attempt suicide within a two-week period.
Still, while this move may suggest to the public that the accused is in control of his senses, sources with direct knowledge have claimed this is not the case.
They told TMZ that Nick believes the people responsible for his incarceration are engaged in a "conspiracy" against him and that he is delusional. The sources also stated that Nick is aware of the crime he is currently accused of committing.
Nick Reiner's Hotshot Attorney Quit The Case During His January Arraignment
On January 7, Nick appeared in court in person for his arraignment in the murder case. The troubled son of the Reiners appeared clean-shaven, wearing a khaki jumpsuit and without a suicide vest.
While many may have hoped that the accused would enter a plea, that did not happen, as his high-profile lawyer, Alan Jackson, unexpectedly withdrew from the case.
Jackson said his legal team had "no choice" but to step away, though he did not disclose the specific reasons for the decision.
Nick then waived his right to complete his arraignment on January 7, and the court proceedings were rescheduled for February 23.
With Jackson no longer representing him, public defender Kimberly Greene has been appointed to the case and will serve as his attorney at the next court date, unless the accused hires new counsel.
Nick Reiner's Lawyer's Withdrawal Linked To The Accused's Alleged Inability To Fund His Case
In the wake of Jackson's withdrawal, speculation emerged over why the high-profile lawyer chose to quit.
Experts suggested that his decision was likely tied to the financial demands of the case, including Jackson's alleged seven-figure retainer and other future legal costs.
"Nick Reiner doesn't have the money; if he did, he wouldn't be living in his parents' guesthouse," said former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani in a chat with theNew York Post.
He continued, "And under the California Slayer Statute, you kill your parents — you're disinherited."
Rob Reiner's Alleged Killer Son's Defense 'Cost So Much'
Criminal defense attorney Mark Bederow also echoed Rahmani's suggestion about Jackson's withdrawal.
"A representation like this could cost an extraordinary sum of money," Bederow said. "Probably the money is not there.
"I don't know who is controlling the family assets, but I would imagine that whatever hope there had been from the client or the family, that it's just not there, and the defense costs so much," he added.
