The glitz of Hollywood’s elite social circles has been replaced by the stark reality of a maximum-security prison cell for Nick Reiner. While the public remains gripped by the brutal stabbing deaths of legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, those who knew Nick, especially from his younger years, have expressed a chilling lack of surprise.
As the 32-year-old awaits his next court appearance, a portrait is emerging of a man whose life was defined by deep-seated volatility and a perceived sense of inherited immunity. According to a former colleague, Nick was a “troubled kid” and was “100 percent entitled,” making the news of his arrest following his parents’ murder unsurprising to many.
### Nick Reiner’s History of Volatility
A former colleague of Nick Reiner revealed they were “not that shocked” upon hearing about the double-homicide charges against him. Speaking with Page Six on the condition of anonymity, the individual described Nick as someone who had long struggled with internal demons that frequently bubbled to the surface.
The colleague noted that Nick’s history of substance abuse and erratic temper was an open secret among those who worked closely with him. They suggested that the tragic events in Brentwood were the culmination of years of escalating instability.
> “I am not that shocked. He is a troubled person,” the insider told the outlet, referencing Nick’s “era of darkness” linked to substance abuse.
> “When you have addiction and mental health, there is room for emotional murders,” the tipster added.
The insider went further, emphasizing that Nick had struggled from a young age.
> “It doesn’t seem unfounded. He was a troubled kid from a young age and had issues,” the source continued.
> However, they also mentioned that the Nick they knew was different at the time of the incident, as he was reportedly “sober” and freshly out of rehab.
### An Internship Secured by Nepotism and Defined by Entitlement
Before his legal troubles, Nick’s professional entry into the entertainment industry was reportedly eased by his father’s immense influence. The former co-worker alleged that Nick’s acceptance for an internship was largely a personal favor to Rob Reiner.
Despite this prestigious opportunity, Nick reportedly displayed a distinct lack of gratitude or professional decorum during his time there.
> “He did not work hard and he wasn’t a hard worker,” the insider claimed, adding that Nick was “100 percent entitled.”
Nonetheless, the former colleague described Nick as “captivating” and “goofy” with a “dark sense of humour.” This was in stark contrast to his demeanor before the murder, where he allegedly acted unsettlingly. For example, at Conan O’Brien’s holiday gathering, Nick reportedly freaked out several guests by asking random questions, such as whether they were famous.
> “He was a funny kid. He was charismatic in a dark, introverted way. He was a goofy 20-year-old,” the source said.
Reports reveal that Nick had an argument with his father during the event, which led Rob and Michele to leave early. The tipster remembered Rob Reiner as a loving father who was always there for his son, helping him “get on his feet.”
### Formal Charges and the Grim Legal Reality
Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele, who were found dead at their Brentwood home on Sunday, December 14 — a day after attending O’Brien’s holiday event.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed the charges earlier this week, highlighting the “special circumstances” of multiple murders. If convicted, Nick faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, according to the BBC.
Nick appeared in court wearing a blue, padded suicide prevention smock, standard attire for high-risk inmates. His attorney, Alan Jackson, has indicated that complex mental health issues will likely form the backbone of the defense.
Currently, Nick remains held at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles without bail as the community continues to mourn the loss of Rob Reiner, a true cinematic icon.
https://www.ibtimes.com/not-that-shocked-former-co-worker-reacts-nick-reiners-double-murder-charges-3793161