Nick Reiner, who is currently facing charges for the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, previously appeared in court on Dec. 17, but his arraignment is scheduled to continue on Jan. 7.
Specifically, Nick waived his right to enter a plea, which is why the arraignment was pushed back. The BBC reported that the only three words he said in court were “yes, your honor,” when asked about his decision not to go with the speedy trial.
The question has been raised whether Nick will plead insanity, and a legal expert spoke with PEOPLE about this potential decision. Neama Rahmani, a lawyer not connected to the Reiner family case, told the outlet that being found not guilty by reason of insanity is “a very difficult legal hurdle to overcome in California.”
“You have to prove, between disease or defect, the defendant does not know the nature and consequences of his actions,” he added. “Essentially, you have to show that the defendant doesn’t know right from wrong.”
More Details Released Regarding Nick Reiner’s Current Situation In Prison
According to PEOPLE, Nick is being held in solitary confinement and on safety watch, with a police source telling the outlet that he is required to wear a blue suicide-prevention smock at all times. Nick is also not permitted to speak with anyone other than his legal counsel and authorized jail personnel.
“This is important so that no one compromises this high-profile case, and so that no civilian or inmate can ask him questions, such as why he killed his parents,” the source told PEOPLE.
Nick Reiner’s Current Mental State
GettyWhen Nick arrived at the prison, doctors and mental health professionals determined that he had a “mental disability,” PEOPLE further reported.
“When he arrived at the jail on Dec. 15, mental health staff evaluated him and determined he was at risk,” a source told the outlet. “He will remain on suicide watch until a doctor clears him, which could take a long time depending on his mental health.”
Police Activity At Rob Reiner’s House Over The Years
GettySince 2013, the police were called to Rob and Michele Reiner’s home at least six times, The Daily Mail reports.
The outlet obtained Los Angeles Police Department records, showing that officers were called to Rob’s Brentwood home in 2013, 2014, 2017, twice in 2019, and on December 14, which is the day that Rob and Michele were killed. The calls were due to “incidents ranging from alleged family violence to welfare and mental health checks.”
So awful. I get sick every time an article comes out.
No, regardless of his condition, he knew exactly what he was doing when he killed his mother and father