LOS ANGELES, Jan. 18, 2026 – The son of famed director Rob Reiner will now be represented by a public defender after his attorney unexpectedly withdrew from the high-profile murder case, leaving many questions unanswered about the legal strategy moving forward.
Attorney Steps Down in Rob Reiner Family Killing Case
The sudden change in legal representation raises new questions as Nick Reiner awaits arraignment in the deaths of his parents.
- Alan Jackson, Nick Reiner’s initial attorney, announced his withdrawal during a court appearance Wednesday.
- Reiner, 32, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Rob and Michele Singer Reiner.
- Jackson cited “circumstances beyond our control” as the reason for stepping down, but was legally prohibited from elaborating.
Alan Jackson, the lawyer representing Nick Reiner, removed himself from the case on Wednesday, Jan. 17,during Reiner’s second appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court. The move came as Reiner was scheduled for arraignment in the killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. Jackson announced that reiner will now be represented by public defender Kimberly Greene.
Reiner appeared in court wearing brown jail garb and with his hair shaved, seated behind glass in a custody area. Greene requested a postponement of the arraignment following Jackson’s withdrawal, a request Judge theresa McGonigle granted, setting a new date of Feb. 23. Reiner confirmed his agreement with the new date, stating, “Yeah, I agree.”
What exactly led to this change in representation? Jackson remained tight-lipped, telling reporters outside the courthouse, “This morning I had to withdraw as Nick Reiner’s counsel. Circumstances beyond our control but more importantly circumstances beyond Nick’s control have dictated that sadly it’s made it impossible for us to continue our representation.” He added that he was “legally and ethically prohibited from explaining all the reasons why.”
Despite stepping down, Jackson emphasized his continued support for Reiner. “Be very, very clear about this – my team and I remain deeply, deeply committed to Nick Reiner and to his best interests,” he said. “Actually we certainly know, we’re not just convinced, we know that the legal process will reveal the true facts of the circumstances surrounding this case.” Jackson went further, stating, “What we’ve learned – and you can take this to the bank – is that pursuant to the law in this state, nick Reiner is not guilty of murder.”
Following Jackson’s proclamation, the reiner family released a brief statement to the New York Times, saying they “have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings.”
The case stems from the deaths of Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, who were found with stab wounds in their Brentwood home on Jan.16. Nick Reiner was arrested at the scene and has been held without bail.
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