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Alan Jackson Withdraws, Declares Reiner Not Guilty; Arraignment Shifted to Feb 23

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Attorney Withdrawal and Public Not‑Guilty Claim High‑profile defense lawyer Alan Jackson asked the court to be removed from representing Nick Reiner, citing “circumstances beyond our control” and asserting that, under California law, Reiner is not guilty of murder[1][2]. Jackson gave no further explanation and declined to discuss the reasons for his departure[3]. His statement marked the first public comment on Reiner’s innocence since the parents’ killings were reported[1].

Judge Approves Substitution and Delays Arraignment Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Theresa McGonigle granted Jackson’s request, appointed Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene as new counsel, and postponed the arraignment and plea hearing to February 23[1][4]. The judge also authorized limited camera access while prohibiting photographs of the defendant[1]. This procedural shift gives the public defender additional time to prepare a defense[6].

Defendant’s Custody Status and Court Appearance Nick Reiner, 32, remained in custody without bail and appeared behind a glass partition in brown jail garb, his head shaved and no longer wearing the suicide‑prevention smock used at his initial hearing[1][7]. He did not enter a plea during the brief hearing, merely agreeing to the continuance[5][9]. Deputies flanked him while his former legal team stood on the opposite side of the glass[1].

Charges, Victim Details, and Prosecutorial Outlook Prosecutors have filed two counts of first‑degree murder with special circumstances, alleging Reiner stabbed his 78‑year‑old father Rob and 70‑year‑old mother Michele Singer Reiner with a knife on December 14[5][6]. The medical examiner confirmed multiple sharp‑force injuries as the cause of death[1][6]. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty, though he expressed confidence a jury will convict[2][5].

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Timeline

Dec 14, 2025 – Rob Reiner (78) and Michele Singer Reiner (70) are found dead with multiple sharp‑force injuries in their Brentwood home, a homicide that triggers a police investigation and later leads to murder charges against their son, Nick Reiner. [1]

Dec 16, 2025 – Nick Reiner hires high‑profile criminal‑defense lawyer Alan Jackson, a former Los Angeles County prosecutor known for representing Harvey Weinstein and securing an acquittal for Karen Read. Jackson confirms the hire but declines to discuss fees or case details. [6]

Dec 17, 2025 – Reiner’s first court appearance occurs; he is shackled and wears a suicide‑prevention smock while deputies place him in a glass‑enclosed custody area. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later reports the parents died of “multiple sharp‑force injuries.” [4]

Dec 17, 2025 – Jackson tells reporters Reiner has not yet been medically cleared for transport, delaying any court appearance until clearance is obtained. [3]

Jan 7, 2026 (12:05 PM PT) – Judge Theresa McGonigle postpones Reiner’s arraignment to Feb. 23 after Jackson requests to step aside; Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene is appointed. Jackson tells the court there are ten sealed subpoenas in the defense investigation. [9]

Jan 7, 2026 (6:14 PM PT) – The court formally delays the arraignment to Feb. 23; Jackson asks the judge to replace him with a public defender. Reiner does not enter a plea and remains held without bail. Los Angeles County DA Nathan Hochman says prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty. [5]

Jan 7, 2026 (6:24 PM PT) – Jackson withdraws, stating “circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control” made continued representation impossible, and adds, “Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder.” [8]

Jan 7, 2026 (6:38 PM PT) – The judge again delays the arraignment to Feb. 23, approves limited camera access, and assigns Greene as Reiner’s new counsel. Reiner appears behind glass in brown jail garb, smiles at deputies, and briefly agrees to the continuance. DA Hochman declares, “I am fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murders of his parents.” [4]

Jan 7, 2026 (8:24 PM PT) – Jackson publicly pronounces his client’s innocence, saying, “Pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder,” and urges the public not to rush to judgment. [7]

Jan 8, 2026 (1:09 AM PT) – After his resignation, Jackson reiterates that “Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder” and confirms the arraignment remains set for Feb. 23 with public defender Greene handling the case. Reiner appears shaved, without the suicide‑prevention smock, and stands behind the glass while deputies flank him. [7]

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