Nick Reiner: Is He Mentally Fit to Stand Trial for Murder?

There’s a growing belief on social media, that Nick Reiner, accused of the double murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, isn’t able to stand trial because of mental health issues. Read on to find out more.

Not Yet Declared Not Competent 

As of January 20, 2026, no court ruled that Nick isn’t competent to stand trial. However, it should be noted that very likely, that could change. However, right now, it seems that either way, true crime followers can expect a lot of arguments about his state of mind.

There seems to be a lot of talk about various serious mental health issues. So, there’s uncertainty about the trial set to begin in February this year. Earlier this month, the focus shifted to questions about competency when TMZ released a documentary about him.

The Documentary

Some folks were taken aback at how fast TMZ came up with their details, but possibly, they had plenty of footage and articles instantly available from archives. Plus, it’s a hugh profile case, so experts were willing to open up and chat about it. 

In the TMZ Investigates documentary on Fox Nation, executive producer Harvey Levin cited sources who claimed that he seemed unable to help his attorney with details to fight the case. Apparently, he’s been described as almost “childlike” and not able to grasp the outcome of murdering anyone. While you and I feel shocked, he allegedly feels so detached that he’s unconcerned.

Medication & Treatment

According to Levin, it could be related to medication that he’d been on. Apparently, someone changed his meds, and that made Nick Reiner act differently. Notably, none of that information came from his former high-profile lawyer, Alan Jackson, who dropped the case. Now, public defender Kimberly Greene sits with this hot mess on her desk.

Obviously, the court can’t go by a tabloid documentary to decide if Nick is okay to stand trial for the murder of Rob and Michele. However, Greene seems likely to argue for competency evaluations. Notably, his addiction problems are well known. Perhaps they helped him reach the point where he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.

Defense To Argue Instanity

The diagnoisis happened back in 2020. Unemployed, he reportedly took up residence in a small home on his parents’ property. More than likely, the defense will argue insanity. If that happens, Nick will most likely end up hospitalized for his true crime, if it can be proven that he did it. Bear in mind, a murder weapon doesn’t seem to have been located.

Experts weighed in and Dr. Drew Pinsky argued that the short stints in rehab didn’t meet Nick’s needs. In fact, he believed that longer hospital stays might have helped. For now, those who follow the case will possibly see a lot of experts weigh in on mental health issues.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree that most likely, Nick will be judged not competent to stand trial for the murder of his parents in their Brentwood home? Sound off in the comments below, and come back here often for all your true crime news and updates.