# The Reiners opposed the death penalty. Their son won't face it

> Prosecutors won't seek execution for Nick Reiner, a decision that matches what his murdered parents believed for years.
- Title: The Reiners opposed the death penalty. Their son won't face it
- Summary: Prosecutors won't seek execution for Nick Reiner, a decision that matches what his murdered parents believed for years. Los Angeles prosecutors consulted the…
- Keywords: rob reiner, death penalty, criminal justice, hollywood, mental health, Reiners, opposed, death, penalty, son, won't, face
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/rob-michele-reiner-view-death-penalty-son-murder-charges-12445570
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:29:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rob reiner, death penalty, criminal justice, hollywood, mental health
## No death penalty for Nick Reiner
Los Angeles prosecutors won't seek execution for Nick Reiner, 33, who is charged with first-degree murder in his parents' deaths. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole.

> This decision reflects our careful judgment about the most appropriate path to take in this case and does not diminish the severity of these crimes
## The family had a say
DA Hochman consulted the Reiner family. He also weighed the factors that made Nick eligible for death, including multiple killings and the use of a dangerous weapon in the fatal stabbings.

> Seeking capital punishment should be reserved for the most egregious instances
## Lifelong death penalty opponents
Rob, 78, and Michele, 70, were found dead at home on December 14. Less than 36 hours earlier they had watched Lyrics from Lockdown, a one-man show about race and mass incarceration.
## A prisoner they called family
The couple wrote to Nanon Williams, now in his 34th year in a Texas prison for a murder he says he didn't commit, and offered him a home if he were ever freed.

> He became like family
## Defense points to mental illness
Nick has pleaded not guilty to two counts and is held without bail until an October 7 court date. His public defender praised the decision and said he has long struggled with his illness.

> Nick has a serious mental illness and a long history of struggling with self-medication
## Tears at the Emmys
Rob won a posthumous Emmy for his guest role on The Bear. Jamie Lee Curtis, his friend and costar, broke down while honoring the couple during the memorial segment.

> He was generous, kind and funny as hell, and a friend to all
## Key takeaway

Los Angeles prosecutors consulted the Reiner family and chose not to seek death for Nick Reiner, in line with his parents' long opposition to capital punishment.