The arraignment for Nick Reiner, who is accused of the murders of his parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner, was postponed on Wednesday after his defense attorney, Alan Jackson, requested to be replaced. Judge Theresa McGonigle approved the request, and Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene was assigned as Reiner's new counsel. The arraignment, where Reiner is expected to enter a plea, has been rescheduled for February 23.
Court Proceedings and Legal Representation
During a brief appearance in a Los Angeles Superior Court, Nick Reiner, 32, did not enter a plea. Judge Theresa McGonigle approved attorney Alan Jackson's withdrawal from the case. Jackson did not provide a reason for his withdrawal in court. Following the hearing, outside court, Mr. Jackson stated to reporters that his investigation led him to conclude Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder, asserting, "We've investigated this matter top to bottom, back to front. What we've learned and pursuant to the law of this state, pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder."
Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene has been assigned as Reiner's new attorney. Prior to his replacement, Alan Jackson informed the court of 10 outstanding subpoenas related to the defense's investigation. The judge sealed this list, determining it did not need to be shared with the prosecution at that time.
Judge McGonigle authorized cameras within the courtroom but prohibited photographs of the defendant.
Charges and Defendant's Status
Nick Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances of multiple murders and an allegation of using a dangerous weapon, specifically a knife. These additions could result in an increased sentence. He has been held without bail since his arrest last month, which occurred hours after his parents' bodies were discovered on December 14. He was charged two days later.
During his court appearance on Wednesday, Reiner wore brown jail attire and had a shaved head. In a prior court appearance on December 17, Reiner wore shackles and a suicide prevention smock, which was not observed on Wednesday. Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian is leading the prosecution. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that a decision regarding seeking the death penalty has not yet been made, adding that his office is "fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the murder of his parents — Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner … and do so unanimously."
Victims' Background
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found deceased with multiple sharp force injuries, consistent with knife wounds, at their residence in Brentwood, Los Angeles. The LA County Medical Examiner's findings indicated death from "multiple sharp force injuries."
Rob Reiner was a well-known figure in Hollywood, recognized as an actor, director, and producer. He gained prominence as an actor in the 1970s sitcom "All in the Family," playing Michael "Meathead" Stivic. His directorial credits include This is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally, for which he received four Golden Globe Award nominations for best director. He was the son of television pioneer Carl Reiner. Michele Singer Reiner, a photographer, met Rob Reiner during the production of When Harry Met Sally and they later married.
Contextual Information
Law enforcement has not released information regarding potential motives in the case. Nick Reiner, the third of Rob Reiner's four children, publicly discussed his experiences with addiction and mental health a decade ago, topics that loosely influenced the film Being Charlie, made with his father. He has a documented history of substance abuse and previous attempts at rehabilitation. His parents had reportedly expressed concerns about his behavior in the weeks preceding the killings. Legal experts have indicated the possibility of an insanity defense in such cases, noting that the burden of proof rests with the defense team and juries often set a high bar for defendants.