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It’s been more than two months since Rob and Michelle Rayner were found stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home.
Their son, Nick Rayner, was arrested for the murder, and today he finally appeared in court to be charged.
Nick entered a not guilty plea, as expected.
But what may be even more noteworthy is the 32-year-old’s appearance and demeanor in the courtroom.
Observers described Nick as “emaciated” and “disheveled.”
To the surprise of many, he is still represented by Public Defender Kimberly Green.
Green took office after famed defense attorney Alan Jackson abruptly withdrew from the case ahead of Nick’s first scheduled arraignment last month.
It was widely expected that Reiner would replace her with a more experienced (and more expensive) lawyer, but that now appears to be the case
His next court appearance is scheduled for April 29.
Nick had been undergoing treatment for various mental health problems – including schizophrenia – for years before the murders.
Insiders claim that in the weeks leading up to the murder, his doctors changed his medications after he complained of weight gain.
Unfortunately, new medications have caused Nick to act more erratic than usual.
Sources close to the family claim that his parents – with whom he lived – were afraid of him at the end of their lives.
The situation came to a head at a holiday party hosted by Conan O’Brien, a friend and neighbor of the Reiners.
Witnesses say Nick – who attended the party with his parents – was rude to other guests, and became angry with his father when Rob tried to check his behaviour.
The next afternoon, Rainer’s daughter found them stabbed to death.
Nick’s guilty plea was not surprising, but legal experts expect he will not deny committing the crimes.
It’s difficult to prove not guilty by reason of insanity, but experts believe Nick may have a chance because of how documented his history with mental illness is.
If the jury finds in his favor, he will likely have to spend the rest of his life in a psychiatric hospital, but he would probably prefer that outcome to prison.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
