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Alan Jackson Withdraws, Declares Reiner Not Guilty as Arraignment Moves to Feb. 23

Updated (4 articles)

Attorney Withdrawal and Public Innocence Claim Alan Jackson formally withdrew as Nick Reiner’s private counsel, saying “circumstances beyond our control” made continued representation impossible and asserting that, under California law, Reiner is not guilty of murder [1][2][3][4]. He offered no further explanation and declined to discuss case details, emphasizing the presumption of innocence. Jackson’s departure marks the first public comment on Reiner’s guilt since the parents’ killings were reported.

Judge Grants Substitution and Delays Arraignment Judge Theresa McGonigle accepted Jackson’s request, appointed Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene to replace him, and postponed the arraignment and plea hearing to February 23 [1][2][3][4]. The delay gives Greene time to review the case file and prepare a defense. Court officials allowed a camera in the courtroom but barred any photographs or video of the defendant.

Charges, Custody, and Brief Court Appearance Reiner, 32, remains jailed without bail and faces two counts of first‑degree murder for the December 14 stabbing deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner (78) and Michele Singer Reiner (70) [1][2][3][4]. In the brief hearing he stood behind a glass partition in brown jail garb, shaved his head, and silently agreed to the continuance, while two deputies stood behind him. Greene spoke with Reiner for roughly thirty seconds before the hearing adjourned.

Prosecutorial Position and Case Context Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed confidence a jury will convict Reiner, though prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty [4]. The medical examiner reported multiple sharp‑force injuries as the cause of death, and investigators have withheld motive and forensic details. Reiner’s family has asked for privacy while mourning the loss of the prominent director and actor Rob Reiner.

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Timeline

2015 – Nick Reiner co‑writes a film about a family battling addiction that his father, director Rob Reiner, helms, underscoring Nick’s long‑standing substance‑abuse problems that later surface in the murder case [1].

Dec 14, 2025 – Rob Reiner (78) and Michele Singer Reiner (70) are found stabbed to death in the master bedroom of their Brentwood home; detectives learn the night before the parents argued with Nick at a holiday party [1][2].

Dec 14, 2025 (later that night) – Police arrest Nick Reiner about 15 miles away near Downtown Los Angeles without a struggle; he is placed in custody without bail [1][2].

Jan 7, 2026 – High‑profile defense lawyer Alan Jackson asks Judge Theresa McGonigle to withdraw; the judge grants the substitution, appoints Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, and postpones the arraignment and plea hearing to Feb 23 [1][3][4].

Jan 7, 2026 – In a brief courtroom appearance, Reiner stands behind glass in brown jail garb, agrees only to the continuance, and a camera is allowed in the room but barred from filming him at his counsel’s request [1][3][4].

Jan 7, 2026 – Jackson tells reporters, “Pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder,” and cites “circumstances beyond our control” as the reason for his withdrawal [3][4].

Jan 7, 2026 – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman says he is “fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt,” signalling a vigorous prosecution and possible pursuit of the death penalty [1].

Jan 8, 2026 – Jackson publicly resigns, repeats that “under California law Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder,” and declines to answer further questions, marking the first direct public comment on Reiner’s innocence [2].

Jan 8, 2026 – The court permits cameras in the courtroom but explicitly bars any photographs or video of Reiner, reflecting the defense’s effort to limit media exposure of the defendant [2].

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