LOS ANGELES — The murder case against Nick Reiner, son of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, has taken a dramatic turn as his high-profile attorney Alan Jackson withdrew from the case, citing undisclosed reasons. The move comes less than a month after the shocking double homicide that left Hollywood reeling and the Reiner family grappling with unimaginable loss.
On January 7, 2026, Jackson, renowned for defending figures like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, announced his resignation outside a Los Angeles courthouse. "Circumstances beyond our control and more importantly circumstances beyond Nick’s control have dictated that, sadly, it’s made it impossible to continue our representation," Jackson told reporters, according to the Associated Press. He declined to elaborate on the reasons, stating he was "legally and ethically prohibited" from doing so, as reported by Courthouse News. However, Jackson made an unequivocal statement about his now-former client’s innocence: "What we've learned, and you can take this to the bank, is that, pursuant to the laws of this state, pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that," he declared, per E! News and MS NOW.
This marks the first direct assertion from Nick Reiner’s legal team regarding his guilt or innocence since the brutal deaths of his parents in their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025. The couple, Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found dead that afternoon, both having suffered multiple sharp force injuries, according to initial findings from the LA County Medical Examiner cited by the Associated Press. The LAPD determined the deaths to be homicides, with the murder weapon identified as a knife, and Nick Reiner was arrested around six hours later near the University of Southern California, as detailed in MS NOW’s reporting.
Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, including the special circumstance of multiple murders and a special allegation of personally using a deadly weapon. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed these charges on December 16, 2025, and announced that if convicted, Reiner could face life in prison without parole or even the death penalty. District Attorney Nathan Hochman, however, has not yet decided whether to pursue capital punishment, noting to Courthouse News, “We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner… of the brutal murder of his parents, and do so unanimously.”
The case has drawn intense public and media scrutiny, not only because of the Reiner family’s prominence in Hollywood but also due to the tragic and complex circumstances surrounding the deaths. On the night before the murders, Nick and his father reportedly engaged in a heated argument at a Christmas party hosted by Conan O’Brien, with multiple sources telling People and the Los Angeles Times that Nick’s behavior was noticeably disruptive. Family friends and party guests observed the tension, and Nick’s struggles with addiction and mental health were well known. In previous interviews, Nick spoke candidly about his battles with heroin addiction, having been to rehab 17 times before age 30, and experiencing homelessness in several states, as reported by People and recounted in MS NOW and E! News coverage.
Nick’s mental health has been a topic of public discussion and speculation. According to the Los Angeles Times, he was prescribed medication for schizophrenia prior to the murders. His first court appearance on December 17, 2025, saw him wearing an anti-suicide vest and shackles, and he was reportedly taken off suicide watch by early January 2026. During his latest court appearance on January 7, Reiner appeared in a brown jumpsuit with his head shaved, standing behind glass in the custody area, as described by the Associated Press. He spoke only to agree to a delay in his arraignment, which was postponed to February 23, 2026, following the change in legal counsel.
With Jackson stepping down, public defender Kimberly Greene has taken over Reiner’s defense. In a brief statement, Greene acknowledged the gravity of the case, telling reporters, “I only spoke to Mr. Reiner for about 30 seconds this morning,” and adding, “It’s not uncommon for private counsel to turn over cases to us,” as reported by Courthouse News. LA County Public Defender Ricardo D. Garcia issued a rare public statement, expressing sympathy for the Reiner family and the Los Angeles community: “Our hearts go out to the Reiner family as they navigate this difficult time. We ask for your patience and compassion as the case moves through the legal process.”
The Reiner family, for their part, has expressed trust in the justice system and requested privacy during the ongoing proceedings. In a statement to E! News, the family said, “They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings.” Siblings Tracy, Jake, and Romy Reiner have spoken of their devastation, with Jake and Romy stating to NBC News, “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”
Rob Reiner’s legacy looms large over the proceedings. Best known for directing classics like This is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally..., and A Few Good Men, he was a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond. Michele Singer Reiner, a respected photographer, was his wife of 36 years. The couple’s deaths have shocked friends, colleagues, and the entertainment industry at large. Actress Jane Fonda, who saw the couple the night before their deaths, wrote on Instagram, “I saw them night before last looking healthy and happy. I am reeling with grief. Stunned.”
The investigation into the murders continues, with the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division leading the case. Details about motive remain unknown, and a court order has restricted the release of further information. Surveillance footage obtained by MS NOW showed Nick Reiner at an ARCO gas station near USC shortly before his arrest, wearing a green jacket and carrying a red backpack. Police arrested him minutes later, and he has been held without bail ever since.
As the legal process unfolds, the public is left with more questions than answers. Why did Alan Jackson, after devoting “literally every waking hour” to the case, suddenly withdraw? What new evidence or legal strategy might emerge as the case moves forward? And, perhaps most poignantly, how will the Reiner family and the city of Los Angeles come to terms with such a profound loss?
For now, the arraignment is set for February 23, 2026, with the world watching closely to see what the next chapter brings in this tragic and high-profile case.
