Nick Reiner Weight Gain Set Him on Murderous Path

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Nick Reiner's unravelling that resulted in the murders of his parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner, is directly connected to his weight gain ... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ.

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ENDANGERED OVER WEIGHT

Our latest TMZ documentary, "The Reiner Murders: What Really Happened," follows Nick's dark history of drug abuse and mental illness. Our sources say around 2020, Nick was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a mental illness with symptoms that include delusions, hallucinations, mania, and severe depression.

Nick was placed on meds that stabilized his condition, until a month before the murders. We're told he had complained to his doctors about his weight gain -- a common side effect from the meds -- and doctors accommodated him by changing the meds that had been keeping him stable.

We're told the new meds sent Nick into an erratic, dangerous state ... that escalated as the days went on. We're told Rob and Michele were well aware of the alarming changes in their son, but didn't know what to do. We're also told doctors did not attempt to place Nick on a temporary psych hold -- one that could have lasted 14 days -- to stabilize him.

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UNPACKING DEFENSIVE STRATEGY

Our sources say at the time of the murders, Nick had a complete break from reality. As we reported, the plan was to plead him not guilty by reason of insanity, which his now former lawyer, Alan Jackson, as much as said after Wednesday's hearing.

The reality is ... multiple sources tell TMZ Nick is not competent to stand trial. He's still reeling behind bars, well-aware he killed his parents but believing he is in jail because of a conspiracy against him.

"TMZ Investigates The Reiner Murders: What Really Happened" ... is now streaming on Hulu.

Former Disney Channel Actor Matt Prokop Busted On Kiddie Porn Charge

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Matt Prokop -- a former child actor who was once the subject of a restraining order for allegedly abusing Sarah Hyland -- has been arrested in Texas, TMZ has confirmed ... and child pornography is involved.

Law enforcement in Victoria County tell TMZ ... Prokop is currently in custody at the county jail and is being held without bail after being arrested on Christmas Eve on multiple charges, including alleged possession of child pornography and resisting arrest.

Prokop, who is from Victoria, Texas, was arrested for allegedly violating bond conditions from a previous set of charges filed in 2024 ... according to local TV news Crossroads Today.

Pennsylvania Ghoul Cops Say His Alleged Crimes Were Very Sloppy ... Didn't Cover Tracks In Stealing 100 Corpses

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The Pennsylvania man who allegedly stole more than 100 skeletal remains from gravesites wasn't exactly a criminal mastermind ... at least according to prosecutors.

New legal docs, obtained by TMZ, shed light on how Jonathan Gerlach allegedly went about sloppily turning his Pennsylvania home into a haunted house.

Prosecutors allege Gerlach left behind tons of evidence of his crimes ... they found cigarettes, Monster Energy, Liquid Death and NOS Energy cans in the crypts he allegedly burglarized ... and he used his Ace Hardware Rewards Card to pay for some of the tools he used to break into the graves.

Cops say they searched Gerlach's home in Ephrata, PA, and discovered 100 sets of full or partial human remains in his basement.

Fetty Wap Guess Who's Out?!? Released 3 Years Early From Prison

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Fetty Wap is starting his 2026 off with a bang -- with an early prison release!!!

The superstar rapper was sentenced back in May 2023 to 6 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking ring, but reemerged on Thursday when he immediately stepped into The Shade Room and thanked fans for their unwavering support.

The Bureau of Prisons tells TMZ … Fetty was transferred yesterday to home confinement in Philly. He's scheduled to be fully released from oversight custody on November 8 this year.

Fetty will have to undergo strict and supervised guidelines for the next 5 years now that he's free ... which includes drug testing, in addition to being prohibited from opening any new bank accounts without approval from federal agents, while keeping the U.S. Probation Department in the loop with all his earnings and tax records.

Sherrone Moore's Wife Says He Threatened Suicide ... 911 Call Released

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TERRIFIED FOR HIS SAFETY

TMZ Sports has obtained the 911 call Sherrone Moore's wife made the day he lost his job as the University of Michigan's head football coach ... with the woman claiming he was attempting to kill himself.

Moore's wife, Kelli, is deeply emotional in the audio ... and asked officials if they could track his phone because she feared he would hurt himself.

When dispatch asked why, Kelli replied, "Because he said that to me ... he said he's trying to kill himself."

Officials asked for more information on the situation ... and she said she had no idea where he was.

"He just called me saying he got fired from his job, and he's in crisis. I told him that I love him and that I need him to come home, but I don't know where he is. He said he was on a highway."

Kelli then explained her husband was Sherrone Moore ... and yes, he was the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

Despite the circumstances surrounding Moore's situation at the time, Kelli made it clear she just wanted him home.

Rob & Michele Reiner Murders Alan Jackson Says Nick Reiner Not Guilty of Murder

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UPDATE

10:43 AM PT -- Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman says prosecutors are confident a jury will find Nick Reiner guilty of murdering his parents, no matter who he has as a defense lawyer.

10:32 AM PT -- Alan Jackson just held a brief news conference where he said there's one thing everyone can take to the bank -- "Nick Reiner is NOT guilty of murder."

Jackson said the circumstances under which he had to withdraw from the case were beyond Nick's control. TMZ broke the story ... Nick was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder and there are issues regarding his meds that could lead to a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

10:06 AM PT -- A spokesperson for the Reiner family released a statement on Nick's change of legal representation saying ... "They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings."

A source told The New York Times the change had nothing to do with Alan's "performance" and that he had been a pro.

9:52 AM PT -- Nick Reiner's new attorney is public defender Kimberly Greene, who has 19 years' experience.

The judge signed off on Nick's change of legal representation and set a new arraignment date for Feb. 23. Nick spoke up in court, saying, "Uh, yeah I agree with that."

Nick's leaving the courtroom and going back to jail -- he still has no bail -- and Alan is about to address the media ... tune into the live stream above.

Nick Reiner's lawyer is off the case, TMZ has learned, and Nick will -- at least for the time being -- be represented by a public defender.

Sources connected to the Reiner family, with direct knowledge, tell TMZ ... when attorney Alan Jackson appears in court Wednesday morning for Nick's arraignment, he will inform the judge he is no longer representing Nick.

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ARRIVING AT THE COURTHOUSE

Our sources say a public defender will step in for now, and the case will be continued. Nick will not enter a plea.

As for why Jackson is off the case, we're told the family will be releasing a statement as soon as the proceedings are over, and TMZ will post it.

Nick Reiner Sheds Anti-Suicide Smock Before Arraignment On Murder Charges

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Nick Reiner has been taken off suicide watch at the Los Angeles jail where he's locked up for allegedly stabbing his director dad, Rob Reiner, and his mom, Michele, to death ... TMZ has confirmed.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Reiner no longer has to wear a suicide prevention smock -- which mainly prevents inmates from hanging themselves -- inside the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Downtown L.A. Our sources say it's standard operating procedure to remove the smock whenever an inmate does not attempt suicide for a 2-week period.

PEOPLE was first to report Nick is now off suicide watch ... but he will remain in High Observation Housing under the watchful eyes of correction officers until a judge rules otherwise.

Nicolas Maduro, Cilia Flores Handcuffed, Shackled for First Court Appearance

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ARMED ESCORT

Ousted Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will face justice Monday morning for alleged drug trafficking and other serious crimes — as they are transported from an NYC detention facility to a federal courthouse.

FOX News filmed the couple — wearing handcuffs and shackles — being led by heavily-armed federal agents into a helicopter for the short flight from Brooklyn to lower Manhattan, where they will make their first appearances in court after being indicted.

After the helicopter landed at a heliport, Maduro and Flores were escorted to an armored truck, which drove them to the courthouse. Maduro is charged with narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and other offenses. Flores faces charges including cocaine importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns.

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GETTING HEATED

Their initial appearances are expected to be short with no witness testimony. While it's unclear if the defendants will enter a plea, the judge will set a next court date and discuss possible pretrial release.

Island Boys' Franky Venegas Credit or Debit?!? Alleged Fentanyl Residue on Card Led to Arrest

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One half of the Island Boys got locked up right before the new year started ... and now we have a better idea why.

TMZ broke the news ... Franky Venegas was arrested again in Florida for alleged drug-related offenses and is currently behind bars.

According to a sheriff's report we just obtained ... Franky and his female companion were pulled over for a routine traffic stop ... and were allegedly acting super suspicious.

Island Boys' Franky Venegas Arrested On NYE

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One half of the Island Boys didn't ring in the New Year on a high note ... 'cause TMZ has learned Franky Venegas was arrested again in Florida for alleged drug-related offenses and is currently behind bars.

Law enforcement tells us Franky was booked into the Collier County Jail in Naples Wednesday night on one count of drug paraphernalia, posing for a fresh mug shot ... face tattoos and all.

We're told Franky has no bond, as he's being held on a 24-hour hold because he's already out on bond from a February arrest for delivering/possessing/selling a firearm with an altered serial number.

We broke the story ... Franky was arrested in February on drug and firearm charges. The drug count was dropped, but the firearm charge stuck, and that's the case he's currently out on bond for.

D4vd Likely To Be Indicted In Celeste Rivas Murder

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Singer D4vd will likely face murder charges for the death of Celeste Rivas, and that's because the grand jury that's hearing the case will be asked to hand down an indictment ... sources tell TMZ.

There was a report last month that the grand jury was an "investigative" grand jury ... a grand jury that helps authorities gather evidence but one that does not indict. An investigative grand jury can be useful to subpoena and then force uncooperative witnesses to testify.

Our sources say, however, the grand jury that has been hearing witnesses in the Celeste Rivas murder is actually one that will vote on indictments, and multiple sources tell TMZ that authorities -- including prosecutor Beth Silverman -- believe D4vd was involved in the death of Rivas.

Ex-Reality Star Tony McCollister Judge Orders Him To Keep It In His Pants ... After Pet Sex Arrest

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Former A&E personality Tony McCollister -- who was arrested on child and animal abuse charges -- has been court-ordered to stay away from the two dogs he allegedly abused in Ohio ... and, specifically, not to have sex with the animals.

As we reported ... McCollister's canines were taken into custody by the Warren County Sheriff's Office -- and are now being well cared for following the December 23 arrest of the former star of A&E's "Neighbors with Benefits," Sheriff Barry Riley told TMZ.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the judge ordered McCollister to keep at least 500 feet away from not just his pets, but all animals ... and all minor children as well.  The judge notes that McCollister must refrain from "forcing sexual relations" upon his minor children and dogs.

'Southern Hospitality' Grace Lilly Arrested for Harassment ... Police Say 'Happy Pills' Were in Purse When Cuffed

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"Southern Hospitality" star Grace Lilly was arrested Monday ... after cops pulled her over and say they found a bottle of "happy pills" in her purse late Sunday night.

According to a police report, obtained by TMZ, Grace was driving through Charleston, South Carolina, in her Mercedes C-Class sedan with a man in her car. Officers say they initiated a traffic stop when Grace failed to use her turn signal to change lanes.

Cops say there was already a warrant out for her arrest in the system, so officers ordered her to step out of the vehicle and they detained her in handcuffs.

While detained, Grace allegedly asked if she could bring her purse with her to the detention center ... and cops say they found a container of pills inside the bag labeled "Happy Pills."

Nino Breeze Busted By Feds For Marijuana Possession ... Released On Bond

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Rapper Nino Breeze allegedly got caught with the wrong kind of tree during the Xmas season ... the Florida native was slapped with a federal cannabis offense, but he's home now celebrating in front the Christmas tree.

Nino's attorneys, Bradford Cohen and Mark Rankin, tell TMZ Hip Hop ... Nino surrendered Monday to the U.S. Marshals at the federal courthouse in Tampa after being charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

The lawyers said Nino was released after a court hearing in which he agreed to post $100,000 cash bond and put up $100,000 in property as collateral.

Broadway Child Star Imani Dia Smith Allegedly Stabbed to Death at 26 Boyfriend Charged With Murder

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Imani Dia Smith -- a former child actor who starred in "The Lion King" on Broadway -- has died.

According to a press release issued by Middlesex County, New Jersey, prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Edison Police Department chief Thomas Bryan, Smith was found Sunday in a residence in Edison, N.J. with stab wounds. She was reportedly pronounced dead at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

The press release says Smith's boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, was arrested and charged in connection with the stabbing death.

Small, 35, was reportedly charged with first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

According to Playbill, Smith played Young Nala in "The Lion King" from September 27, 2011, to September 23, 2012.

According to a GoFundMe set up for the family, Smith is survived by a 3-year-old son.

She was 26.

RIP

TikToker Tea Tyme Arrested for Fatal Crash into Pedestrian ... Wrong Time, Place to Livestream

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LWD -- livestreaming while driving -- is why TikToker Tea Tyme is behind bars on Christmas Eve ... nearly 2 months after she allegedly ran over a pedestrian, cops have her in custody.

Tea Tyme -- or Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, IRL -- was arrested Tuesday in Zion, IL and booked for 2 felonies ... reckless homicide and aggravated use of communications resulting in death.

As that second count describes ... cops say Tynesha was livestreaming Nov. 3 in the suburb north of Chicago while she was driving, and ran into 59-year-old Darren Lucas as he walked across an intersection.