CA - Murder victims Identified as Rob Reiner and wife Michele - LA Dec 14 2025

[NuttMegg]

There might be issues related to the settling of the estate.

I thought of that too, that the money is not available now.

 

[knla]

Maybe Nick didn't murder his parents and was just set up, because he has a long history of emotional instability. He was the perfect patsy. I've had too much experience with shady people who try to make things look other than what they are.

 

[Sundog]

I thought of that too, that the money is not available now.

As I think more about this, I would think that if it was only a temporary issue, then AJ would stay on the case, knowing he would see payment later. It would have to be some kind of likely permanent scenario, at least one where AJ had serious doubts that payment would likely ever be forthcoming.

It will be interesting to hear the real reason behind the decision. I am sure someone will leak at some point.

 

[MarciB]

Or the money isn't going to be available to pay him his fees?

I'm guessing money or different opinions on defense strategy. I'm sure Nick Reiner can be difficult

 

[MistyWaters]

Even though AJ had reason to step down, I wonder why RN didn’t enter a plea? It shouldn’t matter who his defence attorney is, the plea is entirely RN’s decision.

JMO

Attorney for Rob Reiner’s son resigns but says his client is not guilty of murder under state law

The high-profile private attorney for Nick Reiner was granted a request to be removed from his case Wednesday, but later told reporters that according to California law his client is not guilty of murder in the killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.

www.ctvnews.ca

 

[BUF]

Interesting to hear at the end of this when NR’s new attorney Green said she only spoke with him for about 30 seconds this morning and didn’t think the family knew that this was going to happen until this morning

 

[NuttMegg]

Even though AJ had reason to step down, I wonder why RN didn’t enter a plea? It shouldn’t matter who his defence attorney is, the plea is entirely RN’s decision.

JMO

Attorney for Rob Reiner’s son resigns but says his client is not guilty of murder under state law

The high-profile private attorney for Nick Reiner was granted a request to be removed from his case Wednesday, but later told reporters that according to California law his client is not guilty of murder in the killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.

www.ctvnews.ca

I'd think the PD told him not to. Maybe even AJ told him not to, as a closing counsel.

 

[Izzylizzy]

 

[Megnut]

Interesting to hear at the end of this when NR’s new attorney Green said she only spoke with him for about 30 seconds this morning and didn’t think the family knew that this was going to happen until this morning

Here's what I hear (in what isn't being said): AJ believes this is a case of NGRI. I think NR himself is forcing this fracture because he's refusing to give that plea. Believes himself not to be insane. "....and things outside NR's control." Potentially it's the very nature of his diagnoses that he is belligerent, contrary, etc. Imagine the frustration at an attorney if you believe you have a client who can be found NGRI but the client himself is the client's worst enemy. It's almost like he needs a guardian ad litum to determine what's in NR's best interest because NR may well not be able to fully comprehend that.

For the record, I'm not saying that I think he's NGRI or that I think he's insane; I'm saying I call see how this is blowing up given this attorney's history/power/prowess and this defendant's personality.

I think NR fired him, and while AJ disagrees vehemently, he can't do anything about that except withdraw, even though he (AJ) believes, even in this, NR doesn't know what he's doing and is going against his (NR's) own best interest (as AJ deems it).

If NR fired AJ because he (NR) is insane or cunning, I don't see him suddenly warming up to the next attorney or any attorneys after that.

The same complex, disordered traits that got him (NR) where he is are going to make for a challenging mess for his defense attorneys to deal with.

JMO

 

[katydid23]

Here's what I hear (in what isn't being said): AJ believes this is a case of NGRI. I think NR himself is forcing this fracture because he's refusing to give that plea. Believes himself not to be insane. "....and things outside NR's control." Potentially it's the very nature of his diagnoses that he is belligerent, contrary, etc. Imagine the frustration at an attorney if you believe you have a client who can be found NGRI but the client himself is the client's worst enemy. It's almost like he needs a guardian ad litum to determine what's in NR's best interest because NR may well not be able to fully comprehend that.

For the record, I'm not saying that I think he's NGRI or that I think he's insane; I'm saying I call see how this is blowing up given this attorney's history/power/prowess and this defendant's personality.

I think NR fired him, and while AJ disagrees vehemently, he can't do anything about that except withdraw, even though he (AJ) believes, even in this, NR doesn't know what he's doing and is going against his (NR's) own best interest (as AJ deems it).

If NR fired AJ because he (NR) is insane or cunning, I don't see him suddenly warming up to the next attorney or any attorneys after that.

The same complex, disordered traits that got him (NR) where he is are going to make for a challenging mess for his defense attorneys to deal with.

JMO

I'm waiting for Nick to demand trying his own case as his own attorney....

 

[Megnut]

VP thinks it's a double conflict potentially.

If the siblings were going to pay (being that they're both witnesses and victims), NR would have to sign off on that. But if he's NGRI, how can he be simultaneously sane enough to sign a waiver?

Interesting.

JMO

 

[Seattle1]

Maybe NR is sane enough to refuse to claim insanity.

JMO

Bingo!

First, IMO, this has nothing to do with money and/or Alan Jackson getting paid. California is Alan Jackson's home State, where he not only previously served as a former Los Angeles District Attorney, but where he's also an adjunct professor of law at both Pepperdine and Loyola Law Schools. In other words, Jackson is well-versed on CA Statutes and never would have entered a representation agreement where the terms of payment were questionable and/or barred.

Second, the evidence that NR is responsible for the death of his parents is overwhelming, and I don't think the police are driving the streets of Brentwood seeking "the real killer!"

Third, last month, Jackson cited very serious, complex issues with the case, and requested NR's arraignment delayed until January 7.

Jackson could’ve been referring to Reiner’s history of mental health disorders and addiction. (Also, it’s been widely reported that Reiner was diagnosed with schizophrenia several years ago and had been taking medication).

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 4.100. Arraignment - I believe Alan Jackson was prepared to enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity today, and when NR did not agree, his defense team was left with no choice but to withdraw.

The legal process for asserting an insanity defense in California begins with the defendant entering a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. This plea initiates a bifurcated trial, divided into two phases. The first phase addresses the defendant’s guilt or innocence concerning the criminal act. If the jury finds the defendant guilty, the trial moves to the second phase, evaluating the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense.

During the evaluation phase, expert testimony is fundamental. The defense and prosecution typically present psychiatric evaluations by forensic psychologists or psychiatrists. These experts assess the defendant’s mental condition, often reviewing medical records, conducting interviews, and possibly administering psychological tests. The court may also appoint its own expert to ensure an unbiased evaluation. The jury must determine, based on this evidence, whether the defendant met the criteria for legal insanity as defined by the M’Naghten Rule.

The outcome of this phase hinges on the jury’s assessment of the evidence. The jury must be convinced by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was legally insane at the time of the offense. If the jury finds in favor of the insanity defense, the defendant is acquitted of the charges on the grounds of insanity. This does not result in an automatic release but rather a transition to treatment considerations.

IMO, Jackson made it clear that the defense's decision to withdraw was also beyond NR's control (i.e., his mental state and capacity to understand the applicable Statute).

​

Rule 4.100. Arraignments​

At the arraignment on the information or indictment, unless otherwise ordered for good cause, and on a plea of not guilty, including a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity;

(1) The court must set dates for:

(A) Trial, giving priority to a case entitled to it under law; and

(B) Filing and service of motions and responses and hearing thereon;

(2) A plea of not guilty must be entered if a defendant represented by counsel fails to plead or demur; and

(3) An attorney may not appear specially.

Rule 4.100. Arraignments | Judicial Branch of California

At the arraignment on the information or indictment, unless otherwise ordered for good cause, and on a plea of not guilty, including a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity; (1) The court must set dates for:

courts.ca.gov

M'Naghten Rule

Jackson abruptly withdraws from murder case

Alan Jackson | Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP

Alan Jackson is a partner at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP and a legal analyst. Call Mr. Jackson at (213) 688-0460 to discuss your criminal matter.

werksmanjackson.com

 

[katydid23]

The Reiner family made the statement today that [paraphrasing] "they have the utmost confidence in the legal system and they will be making no more comments on the case."

Sounds to me like they want to wash their hands of the whole mess right now. We are sure it will work out fine, now leave us alone. And I don't blame them a bit.

 

[Gemmie]

Here's what I hear (in what isn't being said): AJ believes this is a case of NGRI. I think NR himself is forcing this fracture because he's refusing to give that plea. Believes himself not to be insane. "....and things outside NR's control." Potentially it's the very nature of his diagnoses that he is belligerent, contrary, etc. Imagine the frustration at an attorney if you believe you have a client who can be found NGRI but the client himself is the client's worst enemy. It's almost like he needs a guardian ad litum to determine what's in NR's best interest because NR may well not be able to fully comprehend that.

SBMFF

The only reason he'd need a guardian ad litem is because he KILLED his "guardians". And they were those that loved him the MOST. smh

 

[Izzylizzy]

Here's what I hear (in what isn't being said): AJ believes this is a case of NGRI. I think NR himself is forcing this fracture because he's refusing to give that plea. Believes himself not to be insane. "....and things outside NR's control." Potentially it's the very nature of his diagnoses that he is belligerent, contrary, etc. Imagine the frustration at an attorney if you believe you have a client who can be found NGRI but the client himself is the client's worst enemy. It's almost like he needs a guardian ad litum to determine what's in NR's best interest because NR may well not be able to fully comprehend that.

For the record, I'm not saying that I think he's NGRI or that I think he's insane; I'm saying I call see how this is blowing up given this attorney's history/power/prowess and this defendant's personality.

I think NR fired him, and while AJ disagrees vehemently, he can't do anything about that except withdraw, even though he (AJ) believes, even in this, NR doesn't know what he's doing and is going against his (NR's) own best interest (as AJ deems it).

If NR fired AJ because he (NR) is insane or cunning, I don't see him suddenly warming up to the next attorney or any attorneys after that.

The same complex, disordered traits that got him (NR) where he is are going to make for a challenging mess for his defense attorneys to deal with.

JMO

AJ:
"Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder, print that, print that". then it sounds like AJ did a little spit or two.

In legalese AJ is saying that NR is NGRI.

If we are to believe that he's no longer NR's attorney due to no fault of NR than it can only be the money isn't there to be paid.

 

[Luna20]

AJ, the now former attorney, stated that the reasons were beyond his control, and also beyond the control of NR. Of course, the latter could imply that NR's mental health is an issue beyond his control and made it impossible for AJ to be able to help him, or that the estate of his late parents doesn't allow for payment of an expensive defense. Or other. If it is an estate issue, and later is resolved, then I think his siblings would then be willing to hire a private attorney if it would really make a difference to NR's defense and long-term well-being. That would mean that the public defender assignment could be temporary. I guess we will see as this case moves forward.

Is it a matter of AJ thinking he is not guilty and the siblings do?

 

[Izzylizzy]

The Reiner family made the statement today that [paraphrasing] "they have the utmost confidence in the legal system and they will be making no more comments on the case."

Sounds to me like they want to wash their hands of the whole mess right now. We are sure it will work out fine, now leave us alone. And I don't blame them a bit.

Neither do I blame them.
I couldn't begin to imagine what else they would have to go through being in any way involved with their brother and his high profile defense team as the world watches.

 

[keek]

Is it a matter of AJ thinking he is not guilty and the siblings do?

It is a bit confusing, as he did say, he is innocent, print that. I took it as innocent of intentional murder due to all his issues. Something triggered AJ very emotionally about having to step away. I believe he HAD to. IMO

 

[BUF]

Interesting to hear at the end of this when NR’s new attorney Green said she only spoke with him for about 30 seconds this morning and didn’t think the family knew that this was going to happen until this morning

Think about this….if things quickly changed this morning, then Jackson quickly told his buddy Harvey Levin at TMZ just before this arraignment was about to start…then Harvey did that Breaking Update video that quickly got taken down

 

[NuttMegg]

It is a bit confusing, as he did say, he is innocent, print that. I took it as innocent of intentional murder due to all his issues. Something triggered AJ very emotionally about having to step away. I believe he HAD to. IMO

Well AJ would have known by now how NR is. So I can buy the recent posts outlining the conflicts he would face if NR didn't understand that he is mentally ill, etc.

But why the ANGER. And apparently a sudden anger over something he should have seen coming within a few hours of consulting with NR. There was sudden anger today, causing him to have a little fit verbally.

That's why I see the money involved. Denied. Anger that would not reach that level if it were simply more frustration with NR.

Imo