Nick Reiner’s lawyer, Alan Jackson, has stepped back from representing him in the double murder case. The attorney did not reveal the exact reason for his decision but said it was absolutely necessary for him to withdraw.
Nick has been charged with two first-degree murder counts for stabbing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner to death. They were found dead in their California home, discovered by their daughter. Representing Nick Reiner, Jackson was scheduled to appear in court on Jan.7; however, he communicated to the judge that he wanted to step away. He told the judge, Theresa McGonigle, “We have no choice but to withdraw as counsel and ask to be removed.”
According to Jackson, his stepping down is in the best interest of Nick, and a public defender will be the right choice for him. The criminal defense attorney disclosed a few ambiguous details on Sirius XM’s Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa.
BREAKING: After withdrawing as counsel for #NickReiner, claiming he was legally prohibited from saying why, attorney Alan Jackson: “Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. We wish him the very best moving forward.” Reiner will be repped by public defender. Back in court 2/23/26. pic.twitter.com/pX7hJloSWc
— Nancy Loo (@NancyLoo) January 7, 2026
He said, “Everybody’s got that same looming question, and I am compelled because of legal standards and ethical obligations; there’s certain things I simply can’t divulge, Kelly, in terms of why there was a change in counsel, why we stepped away and the public defenders office stepped in and I will reiterate what I said in the press conference, which is, my team, me personally and my team, remain completely and utterly committed to Nick’s best interest.”
He added that he and his team are committed to Nick’s best interest, and he will be better in the hands of the public defender’s office. Jackson further explained that his team’s ability was impacted to keep representing Nick. He cannot reveal more information due to legal reasons and attorney-client privilege.
My hypothesis: Nick Reiner assumed he could afford representation because he stood to inherit through his parent’s trust. But…obviously CA’s slayer statute blocks him from inheriting from their estate. No money = can’t afford to hire Alan Jackson.
— 🍯 (@aquamaureenie) January 7, 2026
There have been speculations about financial reasons, but Jackson shut down the claims. An LA-based litigator and former federal prosecutor, Neama Rahmani, claimed, “It’s likely money. In the business, we say, ‘Mr. Green didn’t show up.’” Currently, Nick’s finances aren’t in the best shape, and that may have been a reason.
According to several California-based lawyers, attorneys like Jackson may have a 7-figure retainer with additional costs. According to a former prosecutor in LA County, Scott Tenley, Nick’s inheritance may already have been blocked without a conviction, making it impossible to get a high-profile attorney.
