Los Angeles County prosecutors announced they will not seek the death penalty against 33-year-old Nick Reiner, who is charged with the fatal stabbings of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner, in their Brentwood home. District Attorney Nathan Hochman told reporters the office considered the wishes of surviving family members when reaching the decision. A grand jury indicted Nick Reiner on July 20, adding an allegation that he was lying in wait before the attack; the indictment was unsealed on August 12 when he pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors said the maximum sentence they will now pursue is life in prison without the possibility of parole. The announcement came just before a scheduled pretrial hearing where a judge is expected to set a preliminary trial date and consider various pleadings. Rob and Michele Reiner were found stabbed to death in December, and the couple’s eldest son, Jake Reiner, described the aftermath as a "living nightmare."
