Why was Nick Reiner wearing a blue smock and shackles? Garment explained after his first court appearance

Nick Reiner made his first court appearance following his arrest for the murder of his parents. Nick, who has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, appeared wearing a sleeveless blue anti-suicide smock and shackles. A smock is a stiff, thick garment worn to prevent its wearer from committing suicide.

Nick, who sat behind a glass, was mostly quiet during his court appearance on Wednesday. He only spoke when he was asked by the Judge if he wanted to waive his right to a speedy arraignment. He replied:

“Yes, your honor.”

Nick Reiner has joined other high-profile suspected murderers who have used safety smokes, including suspect Tyler Robinson and suspect Luigi Mangione.

Tyler Robinson’s attorney previously slammed the use of a smock.

“In the modern age of ubiquitous internet access and unrelenting media attention to high-profile criminal cases, the prejudicial effect of a criminal defendant appearing in shackles, jail attire, and bullet-proof or suicide vests at any hearing threatens fundamental fairness.”

More details on Nick Reiner’s trial

Nick Reiner was arrested by the police as the primary suspect of murder after his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, were found dead in their home. The All in the Family Star and When Harry Met Sally Director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead in their Brentwood, California, home in the early hours of Sunday.

Nick’s attorney Alan Jackson said:

“There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case. Those need to be thoroughly, but very carefully, dealt with and examined and looked at and analyzed.”

It is reported that Nick Reiner had gotten into an argument with his parents at Conan O’ Brien’s Christmas party on December 13, 2025, and was behaving strangely. The couple reportedly left the party after a loud argument with Nick. The latter was located and arrested by the police on the evening of December 14, 2025.

“Nick was freaking everyone out, acting crazy, kept asking people if they were famous,” one source told PEOPLE.

Another insider told the news outlet that Rob and Michelle were patient with Nick and did everything they could to help alleviate his addiction struggles.

“They tried everything — giving him space, keeping him close — but his struggles are so deep. It’s just a parent’s worst nightmare.”

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Also read: "People who killed JFK killed Charlie": Candace Owens reacts to post disputing Tyler Robinson's role in Charlie Kirk's assassination

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