After revealing that he is no longer representing Nick Reiner, lawyer Alan Jackson took a moment to address reporters outside the courthouse.
“Circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control have dictated that,” Jackson said (per Fox News). “Sadly, it’s made it impossible for us to continue our representation of Nick. I’m legally, and I’m ethically prohibited from explaining all the reasons why.”
“We’ve investigated this matter top to bottom, back to front,” he added. “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.”
Public defender Kimberly Greene has taken over as Nick’s attorney, saying that he was “understanding there would be a change in his counsel,” the Hollywood Reporter added. As for whether Jack or Romy Reiner was aware of this change, Green said that they have “had no contact with the family. We don’t think they knew.”
Here’s What Alan Jackson Told The Judge
GettyOn Wednesday, Jan. 7, Jackson informed the judge that he was no longer representing Nick.
“We would ask to withdrawal as counsel of record. We have no choice but to withdraw and ask to be relieved,” Jackson told Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa McGonigle, according to Page Six.
“Uh, yeah, I agree with that,” Nick replied before leaving the courtroom.
Nick Reiner’s Arraignment Has Been Postponed
Nick’s arraignment has been pushed back a second time, with the new date set for Feb. 23.
“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,” Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said on Wednesday, Jan. 7 (per The Hollywood Reporter).
Nick is being charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances relating to the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner.
Spokesperson For The Reiner Family Releases A Statement
A spokesperson for the Reiner family released a statement.
“They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings,” they told the New York Times.
The source further added that lawyers for the Reiner family arranged for Jackson to take the case after Nick was arrested, adding that the change has nothing to do with Jackson’s “performance” and he has been “a professional throughout the process.”
Nick’s siblings love him and hate what he did. They do not want him to get the death penalty. Nick needs to be institutionalized. The question is, which institution. There’s also the question of whether or not he’s mentally healthy enough to participate in his defense. If he isn’t at this time, then it’s probably best that they went with the court appointed attorney.
How do you know? Perhaps the family is refusing to pay for a crazy expensive attorney. I highly doubt they feel a whole lot of obligation towards the brother that brutally killed their mom and dad. He knew it was wrong and ran. If he didn’t think it was wrong he would have stayed in the guest house like he always did and not go to a hotel. DUH I didn’t like Rob Reiner but he didn’t deserve to die that way…even though he wished death on others.
They hired the attorney for him. I am sure they knew the cost.
I agree with you. And he had just been diagnosed with schizophrenia not too long before the murders. My brother has schizophrenia. Before the got him on meds for it, he had no control over his behavior because he literally thought certain things were happening around him that weren’t and he responded to what he saw and heard. I feel bad for this whole family!