Defense attorney Alan Jackson abruptly withdrew from Nick Reiner’s murder case on the same day Reiner was scheduled to be arraigned for allegedly killing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. Jackson addressed the sudden move during an interview on Billy Bush’s “Hot Mic” podcast, initially citing attorney-client confidentiality but later denying financial disputes as the cause. “Obviously, something happened with my ability, and my team’s ability, to continue the representation,” Jackson stated, urging against speculation.
Jackson revealed he had immediately prioritized the case after receiving an early-morning call on December 15 while in New York, promptly traveling to Los Angeles to assemble his defense team. However, on January 7—Reiner’s scheduled arraignment date—Jackson notified the court he had “no choice” but to step down, handing the case to Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene. Reiner’s arraignment was rescheduled for February 23.
Authorities allege Nick Reiner, who has schizophrenia and a history of drug addiction, stabbed his parents to death on December 14 at their California home after an argument at a family party. His sister, Romy, discovered the bodies. Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, potentially resulting in life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.