A high-profile defense lawyer representing the son of slain Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner abruptly withdrew from the case Wednesday and was temporarily replaced by a public defender.
The unexpected change came during a court hearing at which Nick Reiner, 32, had been expected to enter a not guilty plea in what has become one of the most shocking celebrity homicide cases in Los Angeles in recent years.
Instead, the arraignment was postponed for a second time in three weeks. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge rescheduled the proceeding for Feb. 23.
Alan Jackson, a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney whose past clients have included disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein, told the court he was withdrawing from the case but did not provide a reason.
The judge appointed a public defender to represent Reiner on an interim basis.
Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of his parents — actor-director Rob Reiner, 78, and photographer-producer Michele Reiner, 70. The couple’s bodies were found on the afternoon of Dec. 14 inside their West Los Angeles home. Prosecutors have said the killings occurred earlier that morning.
Authorities have released few details about the circumstances of the deaths and have not disclosed a possible motive. Autopsy findings showed both victims died from multiple sharp force injuries.
If convicted as charged, Reiner could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
Media reports have said Reiner argued with his parents while attending a holiday party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien the night before the couple were found dead.
Reiner, who has publicly acknowledged years of struggles with drug addiction and periods of homelessness, had been living in a guesthouse on his parents’ property. He was arrested near a downtown Los Angeles park several hours after the bodies were discovered.
Rob Reiner was known for a prolific career in entertainment, from co-starring in the 1970s television comedy “All in the Family” to directing the 1989 romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally.” He was also a prominent Democratic Party activist and donor.
First published: 19:43, 01.07.26