Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, is facing serious legal troubles as he has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the brutal stabbing deaths of his parents on December 14 in their Brentwood home. The case took an unexpected turn during a scheduled arraignment when his attorney, Alan Jackson, withdrew from representing him, making a striking proclamation outside the courthouse: “Take this to the bank. Pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that!”
During the court proceedings, Nick Reiner, 32, was set to enter his plea when Jackson announced that due to “circumstances beyond our control,” he could no longer continue as counsel. He did not elaborate on the specifics of his withdrawal, citing legal and ethical constraints. Jackson, known for high-profile cases including the acquittal of Karen Read and representing disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, described his decision as one of the most painful he has made in his legal career.
Following Jackson’s exit, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office stepped in to take over the representation. Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene will now defend Nick Reiner as he remains in custody without bail, with a new arraignment hearing set for February 23.
Despite the defense’s claims of innocence, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed confidence in securing a conviction against Reiner. If found guilty, he could face a maximum life sentence without the possibility of parole, and the prosecution has indicated it may pursue the death penalty, though a decision on that matter has not yet been finalized.
The tragic circumstances of the case have drawn significant media attention, and as legal proceedings unfold, the outcome remains uncertain. The case highlights not only the complexities of legal representation in high-profile situations but also the profound impact on families involved in such tragedies.