[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
Nick Reiner is being closely monitored in prison.
One week after the tragic murders of Rob and Michele Reiner, we’re hearing an update on Nick’s current condition behind bars. As we’ve been following, the 32-year-old was arrested and charged with two counts of first degree murder in the death of his parents, and was booked without bail into the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles. There, he was placed on suicide watch in the administrative segregation section of the detention center. Days later, he was “not medically cleared” to attend court, but ultimately ended up going on Wednesday where he waived his right to “a speedy arraignment.”
TMZ previously reported the Being Charlie screenwriter had yet to show any signs of grief as he’s “in a fog,” but was described as “calm, cognizant,” but “dazed.” Now, we have another update.
On Saturday, a police source informed People the 32-year-old remains on suicide watch and is in solitary confinement after the killings of his parents. According to the source, he’s mandated to wear a blue suicide-prevention smock at all times.
Related: Rob & Michele’s Pal Thinks Couple Would Want Everyone To Have ‘Empathy’ For Nick
The police insider also noted Nick is not allowed to communicate with anyone other than his lawyer Alan Jackson and authorized prison personnel. And on top of that, he’s only permitted to leave his prison cell for court appearances or medical reasons, but must be escorted by a sergeant who is recording him with a video monitoring device. The source told the outlet:
“This is important so that no one compromises this high-profile case, and so that no civilian or inmate can ask him questions, such as why he killed his parents.”
As for what a day currently looks like for Nick, he’s served three meals a day and is being closely monitored. The police source noted he’s been deemed to have a “mental disability.”
“When he arrived at the jail on Dec. 15, mental health staff evaluated him and determined he was at risk. He will remain on suicide watch until a doctor clears him, which could take a long time depending on his mental health … We can’t put him at risk since he has mental health struggles, and no visitors are allowed.”
The officer also shared that Nick was processed into the prison on Monday faster than the average inmate:
“There was no delay — he was processed and housed in less than four hours from the moment he entered. Since then, he has been escorted at all times by a sergeant with a video camera.”
By noon the day he arrived, he had already been processed in, including an infection screening and a psychological assessment conducted by medical staff:
“This process usually takes about 24 hours for an inmate. In this case, it was expedited because it’s a high-profile case and they wanted it done as quickly as possible. Less than 4 hours is extremely fast here.”
Inside the prison, Nick’s cell is being monitored 24/7:
“While he is on suicide watch, a supervisor checks on him every 15 minutes to ensure his safety. He is currently struggling with mental health concerns, but he has not attempted self-harm. He remains alone in his cell and communicates very little.”
As for his Wednesday court appearance, the police source noted:
“He was medically evaluated and cleared by the medical staff, including the on-site doctor and deemed competent enough to attend court on Wednesday. If he were not in the right mental state, he would not have been allowed to go. That means he is considered mentally sound enough to attend proceedings.”
What a heartbreaking example of how fast things can happen and life can change. Our hearts continue to be with the Reiner’s loved ones.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available. Consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, by calling, texting, or chatting, or go to 988lifeline.org
For resources on mental health, visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
[Images via Michele Reiner/Instagram]
