ReutersA high-powered attorney for Nick Reiner, who is accused of murdering his Hollywood director Rob Reiner and mother Michele, has withdrawn from the case.
It has emerged that Alan Jackson will no longer represent Nick Reiner during a court hearing, although the lawyer said afterwards that he believes his former client is innocent.
Reiner, 32, did not enter a plea to charges of first-degree murder of his parents during a brief appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court.
The Reiners were found dead with stab wounds on December 14 in the bedroom of their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
Jackson said outside court after Wednesday’s hearing that he was withdrawing from the case.
“Circumstances beyond my control, but more importantly circumstances beyond Nick’s control, have made it impossible for us to continue our representation,” he told reporters.
“I am legally and ethically prohibited from explaining the reasons why.”
The lawyer, who previously represented Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, added that Reiner is not guilty of murder.
But LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman spoke outside court.
“We are absolutely 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,” the prosecutor said.
The accused will be represented in court by a public defender.
Getty ImagesTo qualify for a publicly funded attorney, defendants must demonstrate that they lack the means to finance their legal case.
Rob Reiner’s net worth is estimated at $200m (£150m) and it is unclear who is paying the retainer for his son’s high-powered lawyer. The accused has a brother.
When asked by the judge if he understood he waived his right to enter a plea Wednesday, Reiner said: “Yes, I agree with it.”
The defendant smiled several times during the hearing as he spoke to sheriff’s deputies.
His new attorney, public defender Kimberly Greene, met with Reiner and asked for time to prepare for the case before his new client entered a plea.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 23.
Rob Reiner, 78, has directed some iconic films across genres, including This is Spinal Tap, Misery and A Few Good Men.
Michele Singer Reiner, 70, is an actress, photographer and producer.