Nick Reiner noticeably wore a blue vest for his first court appearance following the murders of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
On December 17, 2025, Nick appeared downcast as he stared straight ahead while positioned behind a glass partition in the courtroom. Nick was wearing a suicide prevention vest, which indicates that he is on suicide watch in jail.
Nick has publicly discussed his struggles with addiction in the past and, more recently, there have been reports of him exhibiting erratic behavior in the hours leading up to the murder of his parents on December 14, 2025. Nick reportedly got into an argument with Rob at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party the night before the killings and then allegedly had an awkward exchange with actor Bill Hader before leaving the event.
Nick’s high-powered attorney Alan Jackson told the court during a hearing on December 17 that it was simply “too early” to enter a plea on the accused killer’s behalf. Nick is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles at least until his next court hearing in January 2026.
New Details on Nick Reiner's Murder Arrest Emerge: Location, Timing, More
Keep scrolling for more on why Nick wore a blue vest in his court appearance.
Nick Reiner Was Reportedly Placed on Suicide Watch After His Arrest
TMZ reported on December 15, 2025, that Nick Reiner was placed on suicide watch and was being held under administrative segregation from other inmates at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles following his arrest.
Nick was supposed to make his first court appearance on December 16, 2025, but his attorney Alan Jackson told the court that the accused murder was not yet “medically cleared” to attend. Jackson explained that Nick’s medical condition would be evaluated on a “day-to-day” basis moving forward.
Nick ultimately appeared in court for the first time the following day, where he was seen wearing a blue vest indicating that he was being held on suicide watch. He did not enter a plea and his arraignment was continued until January 7, 2026.
What Is a Suicide Prevention Vest?
Suicide prevention vests, smocks or blankets are used to help prevent hospitalized or incarcerated people from taking their own lives if they are found to be a danger to themselves. These smocks are typically made from quilted polyester or nylon, and they use hook-and-loop closures instead of collars or sleeves.
The smocks are impossible to roll up or fold, thus preventing the inmate from being able to fashion any sort of noose. Usually, the inmate is naked under the vest or blanket to prohibit them from being able to use any looser fabrics to try to harm themselves.
What Has Nick Reiner Been Charged With?
Nick was charged with two counts of first-degree murder on December 16, 2025. If he is convicted, Nick could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
“We owe it to [Rob and Michele Reiner’s] memory to pursue justice and accountability for the lives that were tragically taken,” the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
What Happened to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner?
Rob and Michele were found dead in their Brentwood, California, home on Sunday, December 14. Rob was 78, while Michele was 70.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a statement from the family’s spokesperson, shared with Variety, read. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
The Los Angeles Police Department later revealed in a press conference that Rob and Michele were found with “apparent stab wounds.” On Monday, December 15, Us confirmed Nick was arrested on a murder charge following his parents’ death.
The LAPD released further details about Rob and Michele’s deaths that same day.
“As a result of the initial investigation, it was determined that the Reiners were the victims of homicide,” the press release read, noting that Nick was named as the person allegedly responsible for their deaths.
The authorities confirmed Nick was in custody with no bail. He made his first court appearance on December 17, 2025, but has yet to enter a plea. His next court hearing is set for January 7, 2026.
Following his arrest, reports emerged of Nick publicly exhibiting unusual behavior prior to his parents’ murders.
He allegedly got into a loud argument with his father at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party on December 13. Us learned that, once his parents left the party, Nick began “going up to people at Conan O’Brien’s party asking if they were famous.”
NBC News reported that Nick eventually left the holiday gathering after interrupting a conversation involving comedian Bill Hader. When Hader explained that his conversation was private, Nick allegedly “stormed off.”
Rob and Michele tied the knot in 1989. In addition to Nick, the pair shared son Jake and daughter Romy. Rob was also father to daughter Tracy, whom he adopted while married to late ex-wife Penny Marshall.
What Has Nick Reiner Said About His Past With Addiction?
Nick has been candid about his struggles with substance abuse over the years. His journey included multiple stints in rehab and living on the street.
“I was homeless in Maine. I was homeless in New Jersey. I was homeless in Texas,” Nick told People in 2016. “I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun. If I wanted to do it my way and not go to the programs they were suggesting, then I had to be homeless.”
In 2015, Nick and his dad worked together on the movie Being Charlie, which was inspired by Nick’s experience with drug abuse and the toll it took on their family. Nick cowrote the script while Rob served as the film’s director.
Rob and Michele often expressed their regrets for how they handled their son’s struggles.
Rob Reiner’s Son Nick Praised His Parents in Past Interview: ‘I'm Lucky'
“When Nick would tell us that it wasn’t working for him, we wouldn’t listen,” Rob told The Los Angeles Times in 2015. “We were desperate and because the people had diplomas on their wall, we listened to them when we should have been listening to our son.”
Michelle added, “We were so influenced by these people. They would tell us he’s a liar, that he was trying to manipulate us. And we believed them.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.