Podcast Summary: Courtroom Stunner – Nick Reiner's Attorney Quits

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Date: January 7, 2026
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes
Producer: iHeartPodcasts

Main Theme

This episode unpacks the unexpected legal twist in the high-profile double murder case involving Nick Reiner, accused of killing his parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner. The central focus: Nick’s prominent defense attorney, Alan Jackson, abruptly quit the case just before Nick’s long-delayed arraignment, shocking both the public and the court.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Delayed Arraignment

• Case Background: Nick Reiner, age 32, stands accused of fatally stabbing his parents on December 14. Nearly a month later, his arraignment keeps being postponed due to pending plea decisions and now, legal representation issues.
  • Amy Robach (01:41): “We were all waiting for this arraignment hearing, this long awaited arraignment hearing. It's almost been a month since Rob and Michelle Reiner were brutally stabbed to death… and what we found out was what we weren't expecting at all.”
• Expectation vs. Reality: Anticipation centered on whether Reiner would plead “not guilty by reason of insanity,” given recent leaks about his mental health.

2. Attorney Alan Jackson Quits—A Shock to Courtroom and Public

• Alan Jackson’s Reputation: Known for high-profile defenses (Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey), Jackson’s withdrawal was highly unexpected.
  • TJ Holmes (02:24): “Even if you don't know who this lawyer is, you know, this lawyer… He's that LA dude… So when we heard that Nick Reiner had hired this guy, like, wow, what defense is he gonna come up with?”
• No Clear Reason for Exit:
  • The courtroom was not given reasons.
  • Jackson cited legal and ethical prohibitions on disclosing why he quit.
    • Amy Robach (05:39): “‘I am legally and I am ethically prohibited from explaining all the reasons why. I know that's a question on everybody's mind.’”
• Speculation on Money and Family Support:
  • Reports in the New York Times suggest the Reiner family may have withdrawn financial support, which would leave Nick unable to retain Jackson.
    • Amy Robach (03:16): “This move may suggest that the family has distanced itself from Nick Reiner and his legal case, at least financially.”

3. Defense Strategy in Limbo

• Insanity Defense:
  • Leaked reports point to Nick’s diagnosis of schizophrenia and adjustments to his medication just prior to the murders.
    • Amy Robach (04:46): “It seemed as though… they were setting up the possibility of… an insanity defense. But now we are left with no answers.”
• Attorney’s Post-Exit Statement:
  • Jackson told reporters Nick Reiner “is not guilty of these charges,” but provided no context or details.
    • TJ Holmes (04:15): “But he, this lawyer came out after stepping down, said to reporters outside that Nick Reiner is not guilty of these charges. What does he mean by that?”

4. Courtroom Atmosphere & Nick Reiner’s Demeanor

• Emotional Moment:
  • Nick was described as “on the verge of tears”—notable, since many high-profile defendants appear emotionless.
    • Amy Robach (07:24): "He had a newly shaved head… But what was most interesting… described as on the verge of tears during this particular court appearance..."
• Mixed Reports on Behavior:
  • Some headlines described him at one point smirking, but overall, he seemed highly emotional during the hearing.
    • TJ Holmes (08:38): “I saw several headlines… that described him at some point having a smirk on his face… Everybody had an opinion and an observation about what they saw in that room.”

5. The Media Frenzy

• Heightened Public Interest:
  • Massive press presence at the courthouse.
  • Technical delays in the hearing led to even more intense speculation and focus, as cameras lingered on the assembled media.
    • Amy Robach (09:08): “I had pulled up the live camera… they kept showing the press… This was as large of a gaggle of press as you could imagine.”

6. Procedural Updates: Next Steps in the Case

• Replacement Counsel:
  • With Jackson gone, Nick is assigned a public defender at least through the next hearing.
  • There is concern whether a public defender can adequately take on such a heavy, high-stakes case.
    • TJ Holmes (12:23): “He's going to need another lawyer. This is a double homicide case with a possibility of the death penalty.”
• Delay in Proceedings:
  • Next arraignment set for February 23 (13:14)
  • Nick remains jailed without bail; earlier delays linked to mental health concerns.
    • Amy Robach (13:29): “Yes. We were basically told he wasn't ready even to be in a courtroom.”
• Death Penalty Possibility:
  • Prosecutors could pursue it, but family input might affect that decision.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On courtroom shock:
  • TJ Holmes (02:24): "The judge said okay and allowed him to remove himself as counsel of records. So Nick Reiner case… has a public defender right now…"
• On possible financial motive for attorney’s exit:
  • Amy Robach (03:16): “…if Nick Reiner didn't have the financial support of his siblings… then he is left without the ability to pay a high profile attorney…”
• On Alan Jackson’s silence:
  • Amy Robach (05:39): “Alan Jackson said this specifically: ‘I am legally and I am ethically prohibited from explaining all the reasons why. I know that's a question on everybody's mind.’”
• On defense attorney ethics:
  • Amy Robach (06:03): “If he was willing to take on Harvey Weinstein, it’s hard to imagine that somehow he wouldn’t ethically be able to take on Nick Reiner.”
• On Reiner’s emotional state:
  • Amy Robach (07:24): “…he was described as on the verge of tears during this particular court appearance… And yes, they described him as very emotional… when you see someone… accused of murdering his parents… you can understand as a human why he would feel emotional…”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:41 — Amy sets scene: waiting for Nick Reiner’s plea at the arraignment
• 02:24–03:16 — Attorney Alan Jackson quits and speculation on family’s financial support
• 04:15–05:39 — Potential insanity defense and attorney’s cryptic exit statement
• 07:24–08:38 — Nick’s appearance and emotions in court; media’s varied observations
• 09:08–09:57 — Media spectacle at the courthouse; public’s fascination
• 12:23–13:48 — Public defender assigned, possible death penalty, and new court dates

Conclusion: Where This Leaves the Case

The episode closes with more questions than answers. With a new public defender, an unexplained attorney exit, and an emotional, high-profile defendant, the stage is set for a complicated, closely watched legal battle. The next arraignment, delayed again, is set for February 23, 2026. The hosts emphasize the enduring tragedy for the victims and note the intense media and public interest that will only grow as the case moves forward.