Report Reveals Nick Reiner’s Mental Health Conservatorship in 2020
In 2020, Nick Reiner, the son of the notable Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner, was placed under a mental health conservatorship. This confidential arrangement lasted for a year and was established prior to his later involvement in a tragic incident involving the deaths of his parents.
Details of the Conservatorship
The conservatorship, officially known as an L.P.S. conservatorship, was initiated based on the provisions of the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act. Steven Baer, a licensed fiduciary, was appointed as Nick’s conservator. Such conservatorships typically emerge from involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations and require judicial approval.
While specific details surrounding Nick’s case are confidential, Baer commented on the broader issue of mental illness, referring to it as an epidemic that is often misunderstood. A representative from the Los Angeles County court confirmed the existence of the conservatorship, which ceased in 2021.
Circumstances Leading to the Conservatorship
Although the exact reasons for Nick Reiner’s conservatorship remain unclear, police records indicate that the Los Angeles Police Department responded to the Reiner residence twice in 2019. The entries include:
- February 25, 2019: A welfare check was performed.
- September 27, 2019: A mental health call was reported.
Reports suggest that Nick was receiving psychiatric medication during his treatment. However, he reportedly switched medications due to side effects shortly before the tragic incident involving his parents.
Tragic Incident and Legal Proceedings
On December 14, the bodies of Rob and Michele Reiner were discovered at their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Both had succumbed to multiple sharp force injuries. Nick was apprehended shortly after their discovery, with police citing investigative findings as the basis for his arrest.
Nick, 32, has faced charges for two counts of first-degree murder. The alleged weapon was identified as a knife. Prior reports indicate that Nick struggled with substance abuse since his teenage years and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Court Appearances and Representation
Since his arrest, Nick Reiner has attended court sessions twice. He has yet to enter a formal plea. Initially represented by high-profile attorney Alan Jackson, Nick is now being assisted by public defender Kimberly Greene, due to undisclosed circumstances that led to Jackson’s withdrawal.
Family Dynamics and Past Struggles
Rob and Michele Reiner’s commitment to supporting their son has been notable. Despite their efforts, navigating his mental health care proved challenging. In past interviews, family members described their struggles with Nick’s recovery. They revealed that his substance addiction and mental health issues created considerable obstacles.
The Reiners have three children, who expressed their profound grief following the loss of their parents. In a public statement, they conveyed the painful reality of dealing with such a tragedy. The siblings emphasized their parents’ role not only as caregivers but also as friends.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the implications of Nick Reiner’s mental health conservatorship and its connection to the catastrophic events that have devastated their family.
