Nick Reiner, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was under psychiatric care in the weeks before the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, this according to TMZ. Sources with apparent direct knowledge told the outlet that Reiner’s behavior had become increasingly erratic and alarming in the month leading up to the incident, which remains under investigation.
Reiner had recently received care at a Los Angeles rehabilitation facility specializing in mental health and substance abuse, the sources said. Doctors reportedly adjusted his medication regimen three to four weeks before the killings in an effort to stabilize him, but the changes appeared to worsen his condition rather than improve it.
Filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, died from multiple sharp force injuries in their Brentwood home, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed, ruling their December 14 deaths as homicides. Their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested that same night and later charged with two counts of murder. The shocking case has drawn widespread attention and tributes.
Cases like this fall under parricide, the killing of one’s parent, which is among the rarest and most disturbing forms of homicide. Such crimes, though uncommon, have long fascinated and horrified the public.
Click through this gallery to learn about other shocking cases involving children accused of killing their own parents.