Nick Reiner's high-profile lawyer quits as public defenders take over
Lawyer Alan Jackson gave no reason for quitting but says that under California law, his client is definitely not guilty of murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
The high-profile private attorney for Nick Reiner has resigned from the case for reasons he says he can't reveal.
Alan Jackson said that under California law, his client was definitely not guilty of murder in the killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
"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," Mr Jackson said outside a Los Angeles courthouse.
"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 of California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that," Mr Jackson said.
Mr Jackson would not specify what he meant and took no questions at a brief news conference.
Nick Reiner's lawyer, Alan Jackson, arrives at court for Mr Reiner's arraignment. (AP: Damian Dovarganes)
He spoke after a hearing where Mr Reiner was supposed to be arraigned and enter a plea to two charges of first-degree murder.
Instead, after meeting with the Judge Theresa McGonigle in chambers, Mr Jackson, at his own request, was replaced by a public defender and the plea hearing was postponed to February 23.
Jackson won't say why he quit
Mr Jackson said that for legal and ethical reasons, he could not reveal why he had to resign.
He first appeared in court representing Mr Reiner at a hearing a few days after the actor-director and his wife of 36 years were found dead with stab wounds in their home in the upscale Brentwood section of Los Angeles.
Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene took over as Mr Reiner's attorney during the hearing.
"The Public Defender's Office recognises what an unimaginable tragedy this is for the Reiner family and the Los Angeles community," LA County Public Defender Ricardo D. Garcia said in a rare public statement on a case from the office.
"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."
A Reiner family spokesperson said in a statement after Wednesday's hearing:
"They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings."
Nick Reiner appears in jail clothes
During Wednesday's hearing, Mr Reiner stood behind glass in a custody area of the courtroom, wearing brown jail clothes and with his hair shaved.
He spoke only to agree to the delayed arraignment.