Attorney for Rob Reiner's son resigns but says his client is not guilty
of murder under state law
[January 08, 2026]
By ANDREW DALTON
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The high-profile private attorney for Nick Reiner
resigned from his case Wednesday for reasons he said he could not
reveal, and he later told reporters that under California law his client
is definitely not guilty of murder in the killing of his parents, Rob
Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
“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,” lawyer Alan Jackson said as he stood
with his team outside a Los Angeles courthouse.
But, Jackson added, after weeks of investigation, “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 of California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of
murder. Print that.”
Jackson would not specify what he meant and took no questions at the
brief news conference, but it was the first direct statement from a Nick
Reiner representative about his guilt or innocence in the 3 1/2 weeks
since the killings.
He spoke after a hearing where Reiner was supposed to be arraigned and
enter a plea to two charges of first-degree murder. Instead, after
meeting with the Judge Theresa McGonigle in chambers, Jackson, at his
own request, was replaced by a public defender and the plea hearing was
postponed to Feb. 23.
Jackson does not say why he has to quit case
Jackson said that for legal and ethical reasons, he could not reveal why
he had to resign. He first appeared in court representing Nick Reiner at
a hearing a few days after the beloved actor-director and his wife of 36
years were found dead with stab wounds in their home in the upscale
Brentwood section of Los Angeles. Jackson did not say how he was hired —
or who hired him. Generally, defendants use public defenders when they
can't pay for a private attorney.
Jackson has become one of the most prominent defense attorneys in the
nation in recent years after his defense of clients including Harvey
Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and Karen Read at her intensely followed trials
in Massachusetts.
Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene took over as Reiner’s attorney
during the hearing.
“The Public Defender’s Office recognizes what an unimaginable tragedy
this is for the Reiner family and the Los Angeles community,” LA County
Public Defender Ricardo D. Garcia said in a rare public statement on a
case from the office. “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.”
A Reiner family spokesperson said in a statement after Wednesday’s
hearing that “They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will
not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings.”
Nick Reiner appears in jail clothes, without suicide prevention smock
During Wednesday's hearing, Reiner stood behind glass in a custody area
of the courtroom wearing brown jail garb and with his hair shaved. Two
deputies stood behind him. Jackson and his team stood in front of him on
the other side of the glass. At one point, Reiner stood on his tiptoes
to peer over the lawyers’ heads to look at the audience. He spoke only
to agree to the delayed arraignment.
[to top of second column]
|
Alan Jackson, the attorney for Nick Reiner, arrives in court for
Reiner's arraignment on murder charges for the deaths of Rob and
Michele Reiner Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP
Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
McGonigle approved the use of cameras inside the courtroom but said
photos and video could not be taken of the defendant. Reiner did not
wear the suicide prevention smock he had on at his initial court
appearance on Dec. 17.
Reiner, 32, the third of Rob Reiner's four children, has been held
without bail since his arrest hours after his parents were found
dead on Dec. 14.
Jackson says he ‘dropped everything’ to represent Reiner
Jackson, a former LA County prosecutor, had given no indication of
the plans for his defense.
He said that just hours after Nick Reiner’s arrest, he and his team
were in New York when they got a call about representing him. He did
not say who called him.
“We dropped everything,” Jackson said. “For the last three weeks, we
have devoted literally every waking hour to protecting Nick and his
interests. We’ve investigated this matter top to bottom, back to
front.”
He said they remain “deeply, deeply committed” to him and said,
“We’re not just convinced; we know that the legal process will
reveal the true facts.”
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were killed early on
the morning of Dec. 14, and they were found in the late afternoon,
authorities said. The LA County Medical Examiner said in initial
findings that they died from “multiple sharp force injuries.” A
court order has prevented the release of more details. Police have
said nothing about possible motives.
Prosecutors have said they have not yet decided whether to seek the
death penalty for Nick Reiner.
Rob Reiner was a prolific director whose work included some of the
most memorable and endlessly watchable movies of the 1980s and ’90s.
His credits included “This is Spinal Tap,” “Stand By Me,” “A Few
Good Men,” and “When Harry Met Sally ...,” during whose production
he met Michele Singer, a photographer, and married her soon after.
A decade ago, Nick Reiner publicly discussed his struggles with
addiction and mental health after making a movie with his father,
“Being Charlie,” that was very loosely based on their lives.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
