Arraignment Delay for Nick Reiner in Connection to Parents' Homicide Case

In a Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, the arraignment of Nick Reiner—who stands accused of the fatal stabbings of his parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner—was postponed after his defense attorney, Alan Jackson, requested to be removed from the case. Judge Theresa McGonigle granted this request during a hearing originally scheduled for Nick Reiner’s arraignment and plea entry, roughly three and a half weeks after the deaths of the celebrated actor-director and his spouse of 36 years. Details regarding Jackson’s reasons for withdrawal were not disclosed in court. Following the attorney’s departure, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene assumed legal representation for Reiner. The judge reset the arraignment date to February 23. Nick Reiner, 32 years old and the third of Rob Reiner's four children, made a minimal courtroom presence, affirming only his consent for the continuance during the brief appearance. In the hearing, Reiner was situated behind a glass partition in the courtroom’s custody section, wearing brown jail attire and displaying a clean-shaven head. He was flanked by two law enforcement officers while his former legal counsel and support team positioned themselves across the glass. At one point, Reiner was observed rising onto his toes to peer over his lawyers and view the gallery. Judge McGonigle permitted the use of cameras inside the courtroom for coverage but imposed a restriction prohibiting photography of the defendant. Nick Reiner has been detained without the possibility of bail since his apprehension last month. He faces two counts of first-degree murder linked to the deaths of his parents, who were found deceased in their upscale Brentwood residence. His initial court appearance on December 17 did not include an entry of plea; at that time, he donned shackles and a suicide prevention smock, whereas during Wednesday’s brief session, he was not wearing the smock. Alan Jackson, a former Los Angeles County prosecutor noted for representing high-profile clients such as Harvey Weinstein and Karen Read, had not publicly revealed his defense strategy. Prior to his withdrawal, he informed the judge that the defense had issued 10 subpoenas as part of their investigation, though their details remain sealed and have not been shared with prosecutors to date. Following the earlier Reiner hearing, Jackson described the case as a "devastating tragedy" and cautioned against hastened judgments due to the complexity anticipated in the proceedings. Nick Reiner previously opened up about his personal challenges, including addiction and mental health struggles, notably following his involvement in a film project with his father titled "Being Charlie," which drew inspiration loosely from their lives. The victims, Rob Reiner, aged 78, a renowned director with significant contributions to the film industry, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were discovered late afternoon on December 14, having succumbed to multiple stab wounds in their home, according to authorities. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s initial report confirmed death due to "multiple sharp force injuries" without releasing additional information. Police have yet to disclose any evidence or speculation regarding motive. Nick Reiner is charged with special circumstance enhancements including multiple murders and the use of a deadly weapon—specifically a knife—elements which could expose him to heightened penalties. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they intend to pursue capital punishment. Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian is leading the prosecution team. His previous high-profile cases feature the resentencing efforts of the Menendez brothers and the trial of Robert Durst. Rob Reiner’s directorial works have left a lasting mark on American cinema, with classics such as "This is Spinal Tap," "Stand By Me," "A Few Good Men," and "When Harry Met Sally." The latter production was also where he met Michele Singer, a photographer, whom he married shortly thereafter. This report corrects prior statements by clarifying that Nick Reiner is the third of four children of Rob Reiner, not the youngest.