Alan Jackson says Nick Reiner is 'not guilty' after withdrawing from murder case

LOS ANGELES – Nick Reiner's lawyer, Alan Jackson, has stepped down from his high-profile murder case, which charges the 32-year-old with killing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner.

The surprise withdrawal delays Reiner's case just as it was getting started. After an initial delay in December, Reiner was set to be arraigned on Jan. 7, a formal court process in which defendants are informed of the allegations against them and often enter a plea.

"We have no choice but to withdraw as counsel and ask to be removed," Jackson said in court after reminding Judge Theresa McGonigle of a discussion they had privately.

Jackson didn't explain what that discussion had involved or the reason for his withdrawal. USA TODAY has reached out to Jackson for comment.

The judge allowed Jackson to withdraw. A public defender, Kimberly Greene, asked in the courtroom for Reiner's arraignment to be delayed to Feb. 23.

Judge McGonigle subsequently asked Reiner if he agreed to that change. "Yeah, I agree to that," Reiner said in his only words during the swiftly changing proceedings. He soon stood up and was led out of the courtroom.

Greene later said outside the courtroom that she had spoken briefly with Reiner and that he was "understanding that there would be a change in counsel," although she noted they hadn't had any "in-depth conversation."

Alan Jackson says Nick Reiner is 'not guilty' of killing parents

Outside the courtroom, Jackson maintained his support for Reiner, despite withdrawing from the screenwriter's case.

The attorney did not provide details on what led to him stepping down, citing legal restrictions, but acknowledged there were "circumstances beyond our control" and "more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick's control."

"Be very clear about this: My team and I remain deeply committed to Nick Reiner and to his best interests," Jackson said. "We know that the legal process will reveal the true facts of the circumstances surrounding this case."

Alan Jackson criticizes media scrutiny over Rob Reiner, wife's homicide

Jackson also took aim at media scrutiny of Reiner and his famous family following the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, stressing that he and his team have "investigated this matter top to bottom, back to front."

"What we have learned, and you can take this to the bank, is that pursuant to the laws of this state, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder," Jackson said. "Print that. And we wish him the very best."

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman told the press that his office would work with the public defenders in Reiner's case. He refused to answer questions about whether his office would seek the death penalty.

"We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murder of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner," Hochman said.

What is Rob Reiner's son Nick Reiner being charged with?

Reiner is being charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders, which enables prosecutors to seek the death penalty. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said on Dec. 16 that his office hasn't yet decided whether to do so.

Speaking outside of the Los Angeles courthouse in December, Jackson described the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner as a "devastating tragedy."

"There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case," Jackson said. "Things need to be thoroughly, but very carefully, dealt with and examined and looked at and analyzed."

(This story has been updated to add new information.)