The legal saga surrounding the alleged murder of legendary director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as Alan Jackson, the high-profile attorney representing their son Nick Reiner, announced his resignation.

Jackson, who has represented Hollywood figures including Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, cited legal and ethical considerations for his departure but did not provide further details. His exit leaves Nick Reiner, 32, temporarily represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.

Alan Jackson Resigns from Nick Reiner Case

Speaking at a press conference, Jackson expressed regret but confirmed that circumstances—both within and beyond Nick Reiner’s control—made continued representation impossible.

“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 of Nick,” Jackson said.

Jackson also made a striking statement regarding Nick Reiner’s legal status, declaring that under California law, he is “not guilty of murder,” though he did not provide further explanation or evidence to support the claim.

The resignation comes weeks after Jackson first appeared in court for Nick Reiner, shortly after Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025. Authorities reported that the cause of death for both victims was “multiple sharp force injuries,” commonly referred to as stab wounds.

Public Defender Takes Over

Following Jackson’s resignation, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene assumed responsibility for Nick Reiner’s defense. Deputy Public Defender Ricardo Garcia offered a statement acknowledging the case’s tragic circumstances:

“The Public Defender’s Office recognises what an unimaginable tragedy this is for the Reiner family and the Los Angeles community. 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.”

Nick Reiner appeared briefly in a Los Angeles courtroom behind a glass partition, wearing brown jail attire and with a shaved head. He was scheduled to be arraigned and enter a plea on two counts of first-degree murder, but the arraignment was postponed until February 23.

Case Background

Rob Reiner, renowned for films including Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, and When Harry Met Sally, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their upscale Los Angeles home. The killings shocked Hollywood and drew international attention due to Reiner’s iconic career.

Nick Reiner had previously collaborated with his father on the film Being Charlie, a project partially inspired by the younger Reiner’s struggles with addiction and mental health. The family’s professional history adds complexity to the case and has been widely discussed in media coverage.

Legal and Public Implications

The resignation of a high-profile attorney mid-case is uncommon and raises questions about defense strategy, legal ethics, and potential conflicts in the representation of high-profile defendants. With the Public Defender’s Office now handling the case, legal observers anticipate a rigorous but procedurally standard defense, including preparation for pre-trial motions and potential psychological evaluations.

The case continues to resonate beyond Los Angeles, reflecting both the global fame of Rob Reiner and the broader issues of mental health, familial conflict, and Hollywood’s influence on public attention in criminal matters.

Conclusion

As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the upcoming February arraignment, which will determine Nick Reiner’s plea and set the stage for pre-trial motions. With a public defender now in charge, the case may take a different trajectory than initially anticipated, but the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner continue to captivate the nation and the world.