Nick Reiner’s arraignment for the murder of his parents, director Rob Reiner and wife Michele, is delayed until February as his high-profile lawyer withdraws.
LOS ANGELES: The arraignment for Nick Reiner, the son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, on charges of murdering his parents has been postponed.
The 32-year-old faces two counts of first-degree murder for the stabbing deaths of his father and mother last December.
The court proceeding was halted on Wednesday after his lawyer, Alan Jackson, withdrew from the case.
A judge appointed a public defender and set a new arraignment date for February 23.
Jackson, who has represented clients like Harvey Weinstein, told reporters he was ethically barred from explaining his withdrawal.
“Circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control have dictated that, sadly, it’s made it impossible for us to continue our representation of Nick,” he said.
The lawyer insisted his former client was not guilty of murder under California law.
“We’ve investigated this matter top to bottom, back to front. What we’ve learned — and you can take this to the bank — is that pursuant to the laws of this state, pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder.”
Rob Reiner, 79, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found dead at their Brentwood home on December 14.
Prosecutors said the couple, who had attended a party with their son the night before, were stabbed to death.
Nick Reiner was arrested several miles from the crime scene later that same night.
If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
The couple’s daughter, Romy Reiner, discovered her father’s body after a massage therapist could not get an answer at the door.
Rob Reiner directed classic films including “When Harry Met Sally,” “The Princess Bride,” and “A Few Good Men.”
