Nick Reiner’s siblings have decided they will no longer support their brother’s expensive legal bills and have agreed to cut him off completely, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Sources close to the family said Jake and Romy Reiner made the ‘unanimous’ decision together, with the full backing of their wider family.
The revelation comes after high-powered attorney Alan Jackson announced at a court hearing on Wednesday that he was stepping down as Nick’s attorney.
‘[Nick] did this himself, he can deal with the consequences himself,’ an insider told the Daily Mail.
‘Rob and Michele have always been generous with their money to their kids. So he has always had money, and should have some in his account.’
Sources added that Jake and Romy are ‘disgusted’ that their brother allegedly killed their famous parents and have made the painful decision that he has to take full responsibility for his own defense.
Legendary director Rob and his second wife Michele Singer – who he married in 1989 – had children Jake, now 34, Nick, 32, and Romy, 28.
Nick has been charged with the murders of both his parents, who were stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home in the early hours of December 14.
Rob also has daughter Tracy Reiner, 61, who he adopted in the 1970s after marrying his first wife and her mother, actress Penny Marshall.
Happier times: Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner and Jake Reiner (L-R) in a photo posted by Jake on Nov. 28, 2016, which he captioned, ‘The trio’
Close friends and family said Michele and Rob Reiner ‘did everything they could’ to try to save their second son from his addictions
On Wednesday, Jackson said he had to leave the case because of ‘circumstances beyond’ his and Nick’s control, but added that he still believes his former client is not guilty. Nick’s case will now be handled by the LA County public defender’s office.
Jackson – whose prior client list includes Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and more recently Karen Read – didn’t provide further answers as to why he decided to withdraw.
Sources told TMZ that Nick was suffering with worsening schizophrenia and became ‘erratic and dangerous’ when doctors recently changed his psych medication weeks before he allegedly murdered his parents.
‘He’s accused of taking their parents, now should he take their inheritance so he can get free from the consequences? That’s what everyone’s reaction has been,’ a source told the Daily Mail.
The siblings agonized over the decision because, sources said, it goes against the Reiner family ethos to turn your back on loved ones.
Sources told the Daily Mail that Jake and Romy recently made the difficult decision to cut off their brother, Nick, who is facing double murder charges
I watched Nick Reiner from a few feet away in court… what I saw turned my blood cold
But Jake and Romy eventually concluded that distancing themselves from Nick was in their best interest.
‘It’s not like the Reiners or their nearest and dearest to turn their backs on a family member or anyone close to them. But this is different,’ the source said.
‘This is incomprehensible. The disgust over Nick’s alleged despicable act is felt by everyone and the inclination to spend millions on his defense is just not there.’
Jackson was hired almost immediately after Nick’s arrest last month at the recommendation of Reiner family lawyers.
Romy discovered her father’s body after a massage therapist slated to work at the house was unable to enter their Brentwood compound on December 14.
Sources told the Daily Mail that Romy was so traumatized she rushed out of the home and initially didn’t notice her mother’s corpse.
According to the New York Times, Romy learned that her mother was also dead only after paramedics arrived and told her.
Rob’s brother and sister, Lucas and Annie, have thrown their full support behind their nieces and nephew’s decision. Their main concern right now is the the well-being of Romy and Jake, another source told the Daily Mail.
Other close family friends said Rob and Michele ‘did everything they could’ to save their second son, who had been to rehab at least 18 times since he was 15-years-old.
The middle child of the director of When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, The Princess Bride and This Is Spinal Tap was open about his own struggles with his addiction.
Nick Reiner was suffering with worsening schizophrenia and became ‘erratic and dangerous’ when doctors changed his psych medication, insiders say
At a court hearing in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Nick Reiner sported a buzz haircut. He smiled into the audience a handful of times right before his defense attorney, Alan Jackson, announced to the court that he decided to withdraw as Reiner’s counsel
Sources said Nick, his mind frazzled by days not sleeping while under the influence of the drug methamphetamine, was known to have violent outbursts, including smashing furniture and punching walls.
He was described as a ‘ticking time bomb’ and that his parents wanted out of their home even as they despaired – after years of trying – of ever finding the help that would finally tame his addiction.
‘Romy and Jake have absolutely no desire to see their brother,’ a source said. ‘What he allegedly did was unforgivable. The days of rescuing Nick and placating him are long gone, and as far as the family is concerned, Nick must face the consequences on his own without any handouts and without any handholding.’
If convicted, Nick could face the death penalty, though it’s unclear if prosecutors will push for capital punishment. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 23 for his arraignment.
source: daily mail
