In a dramatic and unexpected twist to a case that has already gripped Los Angeles and beyond, high-profile defense attorney Alan Jackson has withdrawn from representing Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of famed filmmaker Rob Reiner and actress-producer Michele Singer Reiner, who stands accused of their brutal murders. The sudden change in legal representation came just hours before Reiner’s scheduled arraignment on January 7, 2026, leaving many observers stunned and raising new questions about the trajectory of this high-profile trial.
According to TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter, Jackson was seen arriving at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse on Wednesday morning, accompanied by two of his colleagues from the firm Werksman Jackson & Quinn. Moments later, he entered Judge Theresa McGonigle’s chambers for a closed-door discussion about his withdrawal. When the parties reemerged, Jackson formally notified the court that he would no longer be representing Reiner. The judge promptly approved the change, and Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene—who brings 19 years of experience—was assigned to take over the defense, at least temporarily.
Jackson’s exit marks a significant development in a case already fraught with complexity and public scrutiny. The attorney, known for his media savvy and for representing clients such as Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, had only recently taken on Reiner’s defense in mid-December 2025. His abrupt departure on the first court date of the new year left many wondering about the underlying reasons. Standing outside the courthouse after the hearing, Jackson addressed the media, stating, “We feel we have no choice but to withdraw. It’s not possible for us to continue our representation.” He added, “Pursuant to the law of California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder, print that.” Jackson emphasized that he was legally and ethically prohibited from discussing the specifics behind his withdrawal, but he was adamant that the circumstances were “beyond Nick’s control.”
Inside the courtroom, Reiner, appearing with a shaved head and dressed in a brown prison jumpsuit, listened as the judge set a new arraignment date for February 23, 2026—marking the second postponement of this key procedural step. When asked if the new date was acceptable, Reiner replied simply, “Uh, yeah I agree with that.” No plea was entered at this time, and Reiner remains in jail without bail. As for the future of his defense, it remains unclear whether Greene will continue as his attorney for the duration of the case or if another private lawyer will eventually step in.
The charges against Reiner are as grave as they come. Los Angeles County prosecutors have accused him of two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including multiple homicides and the use of a deadly weapon—a knife. According to law enforcement and the Los Angeles County medical examiner, Reiner’s parents, Rob and Michele, were found stabbed to death inside their gated Brentwood home in mid-December. Both suffered “multiple sharp force injuries,” and the killings reportedly occurred after a heated argument at a holiday party hosted by Conan O’Brien. Reiner allegedly fled the scene and checked into the Pierside Santa Monica hotel before being arrested several hours later in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California.
If convicted, Reiner could face either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, as The Hollywood Reporter notes, District Attorney Nathan Hochman—who recently restored the death penalty in Los Angeles—has stated that capital punishment will only be sought in “rare cases,” such as the killing of a law enforcement officer or a school shooting. At this stage, no decision has been made about whether prosecutors will pursue the death penalty in Reiner’s case. Nevertheless, Hochman expressed confidence in the prosecution’s case, declaring on Wednesday, “We’re fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murder of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, and do so unanimously.”
The defense, however, may hinge on Reiner’s mental health. Multiple sources, including TMZ, have reported that Reiner was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder—a severe psychiatric condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorder—several years ago and had been taking medication. Jackson had previously alluded to “very, very complex, serious issues associated with this case,” which many interpreted as a reference to Reiner’s mental health history. According to TMZ, there are issues regarding Reiner’s medication that could form the basis for a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. A source told The New York Times that the change in counsel “had nothing to do with Alan’s performance” and emphasized that he “had been a pro.”
For now, the Reiner family has chosen to remain largely silent on the legal proceedings. In a statement released on January 7, a spokesperson said, “They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings.” Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, now at the helm of Reiner’s defense, noted that she had not been in contact with Reiner’s siblings and did not believe they were aware of the sudden change in counsel. She also stated that Reiner was “understanding there would be a change in his counsel.”
Jackson’s withdrawal is the latest in a series of procedural twists that have delayed the case’s progress. He had previously requested a delay in Reiner’s arraignment, citing medical clearance issues. Reiner’s initial court appearance on December 17, 2025, also ended without a plea being entered. With the latest postponement, all eyes are now on the February 23 arraignment, where it is expected that Reiner’s legal strategy—and perhaps a plea related to his mental health—will become clearer.
As the legal drama unfolds, the case continues to attract national attention, not only for the tragic loss of two prominent Hollywood figures but also for the complex interplay of mental health, family dynamics, and the criminal justice system. The coming weeks are likely to bring further revelations, as the defense and prosecution prepare for what promises to be one of the most closely watched trials in recent memory.
With the stakes as high as they come and the public still reeling from the shock of the crime, the next chapter in the Nick Reiner case will be closely watched by both legal experts and the broader community.
