Why Did Nick Reiner’s High-Profile Attorney Abruptly Withdraw?

Nick Reiner’s legal drama took an unexpected turn on the first court date of the new year when his high-profile attorney abruptly withdrew from the case.

Alan Jackson, a media-savvy criminal defense lawyer known for representing Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and Karen Read, had signed on in mid-December to represent Reiner, who is facing two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. Jackson pulled out of the case on Wednesday during a hearing at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse, though the reasons for his withdrawal remain unknown.

During a press conference after the hearing, Jackson said he wasn’t able to offer more explanation but that he and his team “remain deeply, deeply committed to Nick Reiner and to his best interests.”

“I had to withdraw as Nick Reiner’s counsel, circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control have dictated that,” Jackson said. “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 I know that’s a question on everybody’s mind. We expect the public defender to step in. They’ve already been appointed and very capably protect Nick Reiner’s interests as he moves forward through the system.”

He continued: “We know that the legal process will reveal the true facts of the circumstances surrounding this case, Nick’s case. You know, a lot’s been printed of late. Over the last three weeks, a lot has been printed, printed about Nick, printed about his family, printed about the circumstances. Speculation is in print on December 15, in the early morning hours, I was in New York at the time, and I got a call. Me and my team, we dropped everything, and 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.”

In a passionate final statement, Jackson offered a glimmer of insight into the case. “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.”

Prior to the hearing, Jackson, along with colleagues Caleb Mason and Jacqueline Sparagna from Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, met briefly with Reiner, who was visible behind a glass wall wearing standard prison clothing. Jackson then discussed his withdrawal in private with Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa McGonigle before returning to the courtroom roughly ten minutes later.

With Jackson’s departure, the Public Defender’s Office will now take over Reiner’s representation. Case files currently in Jackson’s possession will be handed over to the public defenders, and Reiner’s arraignment has been postponed for a second time, now set for February 23.

Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances related to multiple homicides. Los Angeles County prosecutors have also added a special allegation for the use of a deadly weapon — a knife. If convicted, Reiner could face a death sentence or life in prison without the possibility of parole, though prosecutors have yet to confirm whether they will pursue the death penalty.

The 32-year-old made his first court appearance last month, speaking only to answer “yes, your honor” when asked if he agreed to a January arraignment date.

Jackson, widely recognized for handling some of Hollywood’s most closely watched criminal cases, previously represented Spacey in a Massachusetts groping case that was later dismissed and helped secure an acquittal for Karen Read, charged with murdering her police officer boyfriend. He also defended Harvey Weinstein during his California rape trial, which resulted in a 16-year prison sentence. Earlier in his career, Jackson worked as Assistant Head Deputy in the Major Crimes Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, successfully prosecuting Phil Spector for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. Over the course of his career, he has tried more than 85 cases to jury verdict and was named one of California’s Top 100 Lawyers.

Nick Reiner was arrested following the deaths of Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, on Sunday, December 14. The couple was found dead inside their Brentwood, Los Angeles home by their daughter Romy, 28, according to sources. Nick was taken into custody hours later near the University of Southern California campus and is currently being held without bail at Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles.

Nick has openly discussed his struggles with addiction, including multiple stints in rehab and periods of homelessness — experiences that inspired the semi-autobiographical 2015 film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote and Rob Reiner directed. His struggles appeared to continue in later years, with Nick admitting on a 2018 podcast that he trashed his parents’ guesthouse during a drug-fueled bender.

The night before Rob and Michele were found dead, the family attended comedian Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party. Multiple sources told PEOPLE that Nick and Rob got into a “big” and “loud” argument, with one describing Nick’s behavior as “freaking everyone out.”