Los Angeles County DA rules out death penalty in Nick Reiner murder case
Prosecutors will seek a first-degree murder conviction with special circumstances for Nick Reiner, but will not pursue capital punishment, citing the wishes of the victims' parents and recent state policy changes.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that the death penalty will not be sought in the case of Nick Reiner, who is charged with the murder of Rob and Michele Reiner. The decision reflects the expressed opposition of the victims’ parents to capital punishment, as well as a 2019 gubernatorial order that halted executions in California.
The case will proceed on a first-degree murder charge with special circumstances, specifically "lying in wait," which carries a possible life sentence without parole.
"The death penalty was unevenly and unfairly applied to people of color, people with mental disabilities, and people who cannot afford costly legal representation," Governor Gavin Newsom said in the 2019 order that suspended the state's execution schedule.
California has not carried out an execution since 2006, although death sentences continue to be handed down. Prosecutors indicated that the focus will remain on securing a conviction and sentencing that reflects the severity of the crime.