A chilling new chapter is unfolding in the Nick Reiner murder case—one that brings mental health, family drama, and legal strategy to the forefront. Sources with direct knowledge confirm that Reiner, the son of Hollywood royalty, will not plead guilty to the murders. Instead, he is expected to enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity—a move that has sent shockwaves through both legal circles and the public.

Erratic Behavior, Schizophrenia Diagnosis, and a Pricey LA Rehab

What led to this dramatic legal turn? The answer lies in a complex portrait of Reiner’s mental state before the tragedy. According to multiple sources, Nick Reiner was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was under the care of a psychiatrist, receiving medication for his condition. In the critical month leading up to the murders, Reiner’s behavior reportedly became increasingly erratic and dangerous.

He spent time at a high-end Los Angeles rehab facility—one known for treating severe mental illness and favored by wealthy families. The price tag for such care is staggering, with costs reaching $70,000 per month. Reiner had been to several facilities, but this particular center specializes in complex psychiatric cases.

The timing is crucial. In the three to four weeks before the murders, Reiner’s medications were changed in response to his worsening behavior. But the adjustments, according to sources, were unsuccessful. Instead of stabilizing him, the new regimen seemed to exacerbate his symptoms. “He was out of his head,” one insider shared—a phrase echoed by others with direct knowledge of the situation.

Substance Abuse and Spiraling Mental Health

Complicating matters further was Reiner’s reported substance abuse. Sources say his use of drugs and alcohol intensified his schizophrenia, pushing him deeper into instability. The combination of altered medication and substance abuse painted a picture of a young man in crisis, detached from reality and increasingly unpredictable.

This psychological unraveling was not limited to the night of the murders. Accounts suggest Reiner’s erratic behavior had been escalating for days, culminating in a heated argument with his father at a Conan O’Brien Christmas party just hours before the fatal incident. Witnesses described him as “in another world,” acting in ways that alarmed those around him.

The Insanity Defense: What Does It Mean?

Given the mounting evidence of Reiner’s mental illness, his legal team is preparing to argue that he was legally insane at the time of the murders. In American criminal law, a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity requires proof of two key elements: first, that the defendant suffered from a mental disease or defect; and second, that as a result, he did not understand the nature and quality of his actions, or that they were legally or morally wrong.

Legal experts note that this defense is rarely used—and even more rarely successful. The bar is high. The jury must be convinced not only of the existence of a mental disorder, but also that it rendered the defendant incapable of understanding his actions in the moment.

The precedent for such a plea is well known. John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan, was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent decades in a mental institution before being released under strict supervision. If Reiner’s defense succeeds, he could face a similar fate—committed to psychiatric care rather than prison.

What Happens Next?

Both the defense and law enforcement are now focused on gathering evidence to support their respective cases. Investigators are examining the murder weapon, Reiner’s conduct before and after the crime, and the full scope of his mental health records. Witnesses—including medical professionals, family members, and partygoers—may be called to testify about Reiner’s state of mind.

Sources close to the case suggest that Reiner’s team will not dispute that he committed the acts in question. Instead, their argument will hinge on his inability to comprehend the nature of his actions due to his mental illness. “He really didn’t understand anything,” one source said. “He was just zoned out—out of his head.”

But the outcome is far from certain. Juries are often skeptical of the insanity defense, and the burden of proof lies squarely on the shoulders of Reiner’s attorneys. The prosecution will likely argue that, despite his diagnosis, Reiner still knew right from wrong.

A Case That Raises Difficult Questions

The Reiner case is already sparking debate about the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. How should society treat those who commit violent acts while suffering from severe psychiatric disorders? Is long-term institutional care a just alternative to prison? And how can families and professionals better intervene before tragedy strikes?

For now, the story is still unfolding. Both sides are working tirelessly to uncover the facts, and the public is left waiting for answers. What is clear is that this is not a simple whodunit, but a complex legal and moral puzzle—one that could set a precedent for future cases.