Nick Reiner acting “childlike” in jail — is he really in a “delirious state” or faking it?

Despite TMZ reports describing Nick Reiner as being in a 'delirious state,' appearing 'childlike,' and unable to understand his situation since the murders, retired FBI agent Maureen O'Connell expresses strong disbelief. She suggests Reiner's behavior could be a deliberate act, possibly advised by his former attorney, to support an insanity defense. O'Connell observed Reiner in court, noting he seemed 'with it,' 'coherent,' and understood instructions from the judge and his attorneys.

TMZ reports Reiner is in a 'delirious state' (2:29), 'childlike' (2:36), and 'out of his head' (2:47). O'Connell states, 'No, but you know, I'm salty and I don't buy much and he was probably told from his attorney... 'Hey, this is your best defense and you're probably your only defense'' (5:07). She adds, 'He seemed he seemed to be with it. He seemed to be coherent. He seemed to understand' (8:26).

Nick Reiner was under an LPS (Lanterman-Petris-Short Act) mental health conservatorship in California for one year, starting in 2020. This type of conservatorship, unlike financial ones, focuses on involuntary psychiatric treatment and medical decisions. Its short duration (one year) is notable, with O'Connell speculating it was not extended because Reiner demonstrated an inability to be responsible with money, finding 'workarounds' to fund his habits. Friends reported Reiner 'hated being under someone's thumb,' viewing it as a 'huge blow to his ego' and 'embarrassing,' with discussions of renewal leading to 'explosive' reactions.

New York Times reports LPS conservatorship (1:13), lasted a year (2:04). O'Connell: 'They didn't want him to get his hands on any money' (21:18), 'he just demonstrated yet again that he can't be responsible' (22:01). Friend reported, 'Nick hated being under someone's thumb. He considered it beneath him. It was a huge blow to his ego and embarrassing' (23:51).

Prominent attorney Alan Jackson is no longer representing Nick Reiner, who is now being represented by a public defender. The reason for Jackson's departure is not officially known, but speculation suggests Reiner's siblings may have ceased funding his defense due to the exorbitant costs. Maureen O'Connell heard reports that the family paid '4 million dollars to Alan Jackson,' interpreting Jackson's earlier statement about his team working 'every waking hour' as an explanation for the high fees.

Alan Jackson is off the case (3:57), now has a public defender (4:24). O'Connell: 'It had to be the money' (17:55), 'I heard that the family actually paid 4 million dollars to Alan Jackson' (18:01).

Maureen O'Connell offers a detailed and grim theory about the murder of Rob and Michelle Reiner, based on the reported 'gnarly' nature of the crime scene that disturbed medical examiner staff. She believes both parents were 'wide awake' during the attack, not surprised in their sleep. O'Connell theorizes Nick likely incapacitated his father first, possibly by jumping on him while he was under the covers, rendering him unable to move (like a 'straightjacket'). The mother, Michelle, would have then instinctively tried to help her husband, witnessing the attack on the person she loved.

Medical examiner staff 'particularly disturbed' (8:56). O'Connell: 'I really believe they were both wide awake when this thing happened' (9:25), 'it's going to be the dad because... his dad would restrain him' (9:57). 'If you've ever had an sibling tickle you... you just can't move' (10:25). 'They were both witnessing what was happening not only at the hands of their son but to the person they loved' (10:50).