Lawyer Steps Down in Nick Reiner Case, Public Defenders Take Charge with Plea Hearing Now Next Month
Nick Reiner Appears in Court for Parents’ Murder Charges
Nick Reiner made his second court appearance today in connection with the murders of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, who were killed last month. The 32-year-old faces two counts of first-degree murder.
The hearing, initially expected to include a plea, took an unexpected turn. High-profile defense attorney Alan Jackson announced his withdrawal from the case, stating, "I feel we have no choice but to withdraw." Kimberly Greene from the Public Defenders’ Office has now taken over Reiner’s defense. Consequently, any plea arrangement has been postponed to February 23.
Reiner faces murder charges with “special circumstances,” as detailed by the L.A. County District Attorney’s office on December 16. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or even the death penalty.
The tragic deaths of Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, were discovered at their West L.A. home on the first night of Hanukkah. They died from "multiple sharp force injuries," according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, which have since been sealed by a LAPD request. Nick Reiner, who has struggled with addiction, had been residing in a guesthouse on his parents’ property for several weeks prior to their deaths.
During the hearing, held in the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, Nick Reiner appeared in prison attire, positioned behind a glass wall. He maintained a low profile, looking down for most of the proceedings but briefly glanced up as Jackson and his legal team arrived at approximately 9:18 a.m. PT.
Following a brief private discussion with Judge Theresa McGonigle, it became evident that Jackson would introduce Greene to Reiner. Once back in the courtroom at 9:42 a.m. PT, the hearing proceeded swiftly to address various matters, including subpoenas and timing, despite objections from the prosecution.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that his office would consult with the victims’ family regarding the potential imposition of the death penalty. Sources indicate that Reiner’s siblings and other relatives are currently opposed to such a punishment.
Since his arrest on December 14, shortly after his parents’ bodies were discovered, Nick Reiner has been in solitary confinement, having been removed from suicide watch. A previous hearing last month resulted in him entering no plea, responding only with a brief "Yes, your honor." Medical and psychological evaluations are currently underway, prompting Judge McGonigle to grant a delay in proceedings at the request of Jackson.
Outside the courtroom, a significant media presence awaited updates, underscoring the high level of public interest in what is expected to be one of the most closely observed cases in recent years.
