Reiner, 32, briefly addressed the court when asked if he agreed with the change in representation, responding, “Yeah, I agree with your honor.” His former attorney, Alan Jackson, was seen introducing Reiner to his new public defender before the hearing ended.
Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his parents, who were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on December 14. Prosecutors have also filed a special allegation that a knife was used. If convicted, Reiner could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, though prosecutors have not yet decided whether they will seek capital punishment.
Inside the courtroom, Reiner appeared calm. He wore brown jail overalls over a white T-shirt, with his hair closely cropped. He spoke quietly with his lawyers and briefly smiled while chatting with a court employee. Judge Theresa McGonigle allowed cameras in the courtroom but ordered that Reiner not be filmed at the request of his legal team.
Outside court, Jackson said that circumstances beyond his and Reiner’s control made it impossible for his firm to continue representing him. He declined to give details, citing legal and ethical restrictions, but said his team remains committed to Reiner’s best interests. Jackson added that, based on his firm’s investigation, he believes Reiner is not guilty under California law.
The case is now being handled by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene said her team learned only the day before that they would be taking over the case and that she spoke with Reiner briefly Wednesday morning. She noted that it is not unusual for private attorneys to turn over high-profile cases to her office.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors are confident the evidence will lead to a unanimous conviction, describing the killings as brutal. Authorities allege that Reiner stabbed his parents in the early hours of December 14. He was arrested without incident later that night near downtown Los Angeles, roughly 15 miles from the family home.
According to investigators, a family member told detectives that Reiner has a long history of addiction and had been living in a guest house on the property. That same relative said Reiner argued with his father at a holiday party the night before the killings.
Reiner has previously spoken publicly about struggling with substance abuse since his teenage years, including multiple stays in rehabilitation. He also co-wrote a 2015 film about a family dealing with a child’s addiction, which his father directed.
The Reiner family released a brief statement asking for privacy and expressing trust in the legal process. Rob and Michele Reiner are survived by their children Jake, Romy, and Nick, as well as Rob Reiner’s adopted daughter Tracy from a previous marriage.
Rob Reiner was widely respected in Hollywood for a career that spanned decades, with credits including “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “A Few Good Men.” He first rose to fame as an actor on the television series “All in the Family,” earning two Emmy Awards for his role as Mike Stivic.
The case will return to court next month, when Nick Reiner is expected to be formally arraigned.
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