What Is an Anti-Suicide Smock? Everything to Know About the Preventive Measure Worn by Rob Reiner's Son Nick Reiner By Jordana Comiter

Nick Reiner appeared briefly in court on Dec. 17, wearing not just shackles on his hands but also an anti-suicide smock.

The son of Oscar-winning director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner has been charged with murdering his parents. The late couple were found dead in their home on Dec. 14, following an alleged “big fight” with their son at Conan O’Brien’s holiday party the night before, as sources told PEOPLE. Nearly six hours after their bodies were discovered, Nick was found and arrested near the University of Southern California’s campus.

Nick now faces two charges of first-degree murder in connection with his parents’ death. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, if convicted. He is being held without bail.

When Nick made his first court appearance the following day, he wore a blue sleeveless anti-suicide smock and a grim expression, saying “Yes, your honor” when asked if he consented to waive his right to a speedy arraignment.

Notably, the anti-suicide smock has been worn by notorious criminals in the past. Per Fox Philadelphia, Idaho murderer Bryan Kohberger wore a version of one while he was being held at the Monroe County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania following his arrest. He has since pleaded guilty to the brutal killings of four University of Idaho students in 2022 and been sentenced to four lifetimes in prison.

Here’s everything to know about anti-suicide smocks.

What is an anti-suicide smock?

An anti-suicide smock is a vest that is “specifically designed to minimize the risk of suicide amongst higher risk individuals,” according to suicide prevention company PSP Corp.

Per their site, the vests are typically used for “military personnel, inmates, and those who are on suicide watch in mental health facilities.”

They are collarless and sleeveless gowns with adjustable openings at the shoulders and down the front, which are closed with nylon hooks and loops or similar fasteners.

How does an anti-suicide smock work?

Anti-suicide smocks are made with the same material as blankets, per PSP Corp. Its “thickness” makes it “impossible to roll or fold the material into a noose,” and is also meant to “provide warmth without impeding the mobility of the person wearing it.”

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As noted on their site, “suicide cannot always be prevented 100% of the time” and the smocks, among other preventative items, are meant to “provide an additional level of safety and, in many cases, make it nearly impossible for someone to use standard methods […] in a place of incarceration.”

There are instances in which anti-suicide smocks have received negative attention. Notably, Samuel Haskell IV — the son of a Hollywood producer who was charged with the murders of his wife and her parents — wore one of the vests in court but later died by suicide in prison in July 2025.

Why is Nick Reiner wearing an anti-suicide smock?

Although it has not been explicitly said why Nick wore an anti-suicide smock in court, the murder suspect is facing serious charges that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Nick’s brief court appearance came one day after his court hearing was canceled since he was not medically cleared to appear, as his attorney Alan Jackson previously told reporters outside Los Angeles Superior Court.

In the years leading up to his parents’ death and his subsequent arrest, Nick had been candid about his struggles with drug addiction. PEOPLE previously reported that he went in and out of rehab at least 18 times.

A source close to the family told PEOPLE that although he had a history of being “self-destructive in many ways,” he was “not violent.”

“If they thought he was violent, things would have been very different,” the source added. “At the worst of it, it hadn’t been like this. I don’t think anyone could have ever seen anything like this coming. Nick was declining lately but he had been really bad before.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.