Nick Reiner’s murder case took a dramatic turn moments before his scheduled court appearance.
During the trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday, January 7, high-profile defense attorney Alan Jackson suddenly stepped down from representing Reiner.
Informing the judge that he was withdrawing as counsel, Jackson told the court, “We will ask to withdraw as counsel. We have no choice but to withdraw and ask to be relieved.” The judge granted the request, and Reiner is now being represented by public defender Kimberly Greene. His arraignment was pushed to February 23, marking the second delay after an earlier postponement in December.
Reiner, who appeared briefly in court, responded only to the new date. “Um, yeah, I agree with that,” he said before being escorted back to Twin Towers Correctional Facility, where he remains held without bail.
Outside the courthouse, Jackson addressed reporters but stopped short of explaining his sudden exit. “This morning I had to step down as counsel to Nick Reiner,” he said. “Circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly circumstances beyond Nick’s control, had dictated that it unfortunately made it impossible for us to continue our representation of Nick.” He added that he was “legally and ethically prohibited” from sharing further details.
Despite walking away, Jackson emphasized his confidence in Reiner’s defense. “Be ready, be very very ready,” he said. “My team and I remain deeply committed to Nick Reiner and his best interests.” He went on to add, “What we’ve learned, and you can take this to the bank, is that under the law of this state, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder — print it!”
Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found dead in their Brentwood home on Dec. 14. The LA County Medical Examiner ruled the deaths a homicide caused by “multiple blunt force injuries.” If convicted, Reiner faces life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
