The grieving children of Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer are concerned for their “gravely ill” brother, who is facing trial for their parents’ murders. They hope he will avoid the death penalty, as reported recently.
Romy and Jake Reiner believe that Nick’s actions, allegedly stabbing their well-known parents, stemmed from a severe mental crisis. A family friend mentioned that “more murders” is the last thing the family wants.
“Despite everything that’s happened, the families of Rob and Michelle do not want Nick to face the death penalty, believing this tragic event was caused by a mental health crisis,” the friend told sources. “The last thing the Reiners want is to add to the tragedy with another murder; a death sentence would only lead to more suffering,” they added.
“That won’t bring Rob and Michelle back,” the friend noted.
Romy and Jake Reiner missed a recent hospital visit to brother Nick, who appeared briefly in court. However, sources shared that they would support him if he pleads not guilty due to insanity during his arraignment on February 23.
Nick, the troubled middle child, reportedly received a diagnosis of schizophrenia shortly before the tragic events and was undergoing intensive psychiatric care.
Although doctors altered his medication prior to the incident on December 14, the family believes this change contributed to his concerning behavior.
At 32, Nick Reiner has a lengthy history of drug and mental health challenges, having entered rehab multiple times since he was 15.
Following the murders on December 14, the Reiner family released a statement requesting “compassion and humanity to counter speculation and to honor our parents’ incredible lives and the love they shared.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hockman, has charged Nick with two counts of murder, citing “special circumstances of multiple murder,” which may delay the potential for a death sentence.
Mr. Hockman indicated that the family’s wishes will play a role in determining the final sentencing approach.
Even if a death penalty were imposed, it’s important to note that California has a moratorium in place since 2019 under Governor Gavin Newsom, making actual execution unlikely unless the moratorium is lifted in the future.
