Nick Reiner’s murder case took a dramatic turn moments before his scheduled court appearance.
During proceedings in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday, January 7, prominent defense attorney Alan Jackson abruptly stopped representing Reiner.
Jackson informed the judge that he was retiring as an attorney and told the court, “We would apply to retire as attorneys of record. We have no choice but to withdraw and ask to be discharged.” The judge approved the request and Reiner will now be represented by public defender Kimberly Greene. His arraignment was postponed until Feb. 23, marking the second delay after an earlier postponement in December.
Reiner, who appeared briefly in court, responded simply to the new date. “Uh, yeah, I’m okay with that,” he said before being escorted back to Twin Towers Correctional Center, where he remains held without bail.
Outside the courthouse, Jackson addressed reporters but stopped short of explaining his sudden departure. “This morning I had to withdraw as Nick Reiner’s attorney,” he said. “Circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control, dictated that it unfortunately made it impossible for us to continue representing Nick.” He added that he was “legally and ethically prohibited” from sharing more details.
Despite walking away, Jackson emphasized his confidence in Reiner’s defense. “Be clear, be very, very clear,” he said. “My team and I remain deeply committed to Nick Reiner and his best interest.” He continued, adding, “We have learned, and you can take this to the bank, that under the law of this state, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that!”
Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found dead in their Brentwood home on Dec. 14. The Los Angeles County medical examiner ruled the deaths a homicide caused by “multiple sharp force injuries.” If convicted, Reiner faces life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
