LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, will not face the death penalty for the alleged fatal stabbings of his parents, according to prosecutors. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced on Tuesday that the maximum sentence Reiner could receive if convicted is life without the possibility of parole. The decision followed a thorough review by the district attorney's office, which included discussions with the families of Rob and Michele Singer Reiner and an evaluation of mitigating factors in Nick Reiner's favor.
Nick Reiner, 33, has pleaded not guilty twice to the charges. The death penalty was considered due to the nature of the crime, including the lying-in-wait allegation, the involvement of multiple victims, and the use of a knife. However, California has not executed anyone in two decades, and Governor Gavin Newsom declared a moratorium on the death penalty in 2019.
Reiner's attorney, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, expressed support for the decision made by prosecutors, highlighting Nick's serious mental illness and his history of self-medication. Greene stated, "His circumstances are a tragic example of how difficult it can be for people experiencing significant mental health challenges to access and navigate the treatment and support they need."
Nick Reiner was charged with first-degree murder on December 16, 2025, shortly after the killings. His former defense attorney, Alan Jackson, had previously asserted that Reiner was not guilty of murder but withdrew from the case for undisclosed reasons. A public defender has since taken over.
In July, a grand jury indicted Reiner, and a judge is currently considering whether to release the transcripts of the grand jury proceedings, which could provide further details about the case. Hochman stated that his office will not oppose the release, but Reiner's siblings, Jake and Romi, are against it, citing concerns about additional trauma.
During a hearing on Tuesday, Judge Sam Ohta indicated he would hear arguments regarding the transcripts next month. Additionally, Reiner has requested a different judge to release funds from a trust established by his parents, which he claims he is entitled to regardless of the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The trustees oppose this request.
Hochman indicated that a trial is not expected until next year. Rob Reiner was honored posthumously at the Emmy Awards, receiving an award for best guest actor in a comedy series for his role in "The Bear." Jamie Lee Curtis, a co-star, paid tribute to him, describing him as "generous, kind and funny as hell."
Nick Reiner is the second of Rob and Michele Reiner's three children. He co-wrote the script for the 2015 film "Being Charlie," which drew from his own experiences with addiction and homelessness. Rob Reiner is known for his roles in television and film, including the sitcom "All in the Family" and directing notable films such as "This is Spinal Tap" and "When Harry Met Sally..."