Nick Reiner Could Face the Death Penalty for This Surprising Reason
Nick Reiner may face the death penalty after being charged with two counts of murder in the brutal deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
Case Features 'Special Circumstances'
Though California has not enforced the death penalty since 2008, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced on Tues, Dec. 16 that Reiner may face the death penalty due to the case’s “special circumstance.” Because the crime involved two people and was a multiple murder, it was filed with a “special circumstance,” which means prosecutors may be eligible to seek the death penalty against the Hollywood heir.
Reiner Charged with Two Counts of Murder
The formal charges—two counts of first degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders—were submitted on the afternoon of Dec. 16. Along with the charges is filed a “special allegation” that Nick used a knife to commit the murders. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty. The D.A.’s office said that “no decision” has been made about whether it will pursue the death penalty, and confirmed that it will announce the decision at a later date.
'Heartbreaking and Deeply Personal'
"Rob Reiner was a brilliant actor and director, an iconic force in our entertainment industry for decades. His wife, Michel Singer Reiner, was an equally iconic photographer and producer," Hochman said at a press conference. "Their loss is beyond tragic. We will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice." Hochman added: “Prosecuting these cases involving family members are some of the most challenging and most heart-wrenching cases that this office faces because of the intimate and often brutal nature of the crimes involved.”
"This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones but for our entire city,” L.A. police chief Jim McDonnell concurred. "We will continue to support the Reiner family and ensure that every step forward is taken with care, dignity and resolve."