Los Angeles prosecutors rule out death penalty for Nick Reiner

Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for Nick Reiner, who is accused of killing his parents, director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the decision followed a thorough review and consideration of the wishes of the victims’ family.

“We spoke with Nick Reiner’s siblings, and they made their views very clear,” Hochman told reporters before a pretrial hearing on Wednesday.

The prosecutors said that means the maximum sentence Nick Reiner could receive if convicted is life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Hochman also said the trial would not begin until next year.

Rob and Michele Reiner were found fatally stabbed in their Los Angeles home on Dec. 14. Their daughter, Romy, reportedly discovered their bodies.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner said the couple died from multiple sharp-force injuries.

Prosecutors allege that the couple’s youngest son fatally stabbed both parents inside a bedroom before fleeing. He was arrested in Los Angeles later that day.

The 33-year-old faces two counts of first-degree murder and a special circumstance allegation involving multiple killings. He has pleaded not guilty.

Rob Reiner, 78, directed films including This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally… and Stand By Me.

Michele Singer Reiner, 70, was an actress, photographer and producer. She founded Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.

Nick Reiner is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for a hearing concerning an effort to unseal transcripts from the grand jury that indicted him.

His siblings, Jake and Romy, have asked that the transcripts remain sealed, arguing that releasing the details and evidence of their parents’ deaths would cause them further trauma and harm, Hochman said.

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