Podcast Summary: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: BOMBSHELL! NICK REINER'S HIGH-PROFILE LAWYER JUMPS SHIP
Date: January 7, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace (iHeartPodcasts & CrimeOnline)
Theme: Nancy Grace and her expert panel dissect the sudden departure of Nick Reiner’s high-profile defense attorney Alan Jackson at the crucial start of Reiner’s double-murder case—the brutal killing of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and wife Michelle Singer Reiner. The episode delves into courtroom drama, legal strategies, family dynamics, and the deeper tragedy surrounding the alleged crime.

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the shocking and dramatic withdrawal of famed lawyer Alan Jackson from representing Nick Reiner, son of murdered Hollywood icons Rob and Michelle Reiner. Jackson’s exit—just before Reiner’s arraignment—raises questions about money, family loyalty, legal ethics, and the likely direction of the defense. Nancy Grace, with her trademark tenacity, and an all-star panel dig into evidence, legal process, and family trauma, highlighting both courtroom strategy and the human toll of the crime.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Scene: Rob and Michelle Reiner's Murder

• Both found stabbed and with their throats slit in their Brentwood home.
• “It’s bad enough that their throats were slit in their sleep.” (Nancy Grace, 01:56)
• “COD [cause of death] is multiple sharp force injuries...driven by rage.” (Alan Jackson, 02:33)

2. Alan Jackson's Abrupt Withdrawal as Defense Attorney

• Just as the arraignment is about to start, Jackson asks to withdraw.
• Quotes:
  • “This morning I had to withdraw as Nick Reiner’s counsel. Circumstances beyond our control. But more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control.” (Alan Jackson, 03:15)
• Speculation that the “circumstances” are financial—Reiner’s siblings are not paying for his defense.
  • “Possibly the siblings refusing to pay for the defense of the man they believe killed their father and mother.” (Nancy Grace, 03:32)
• The process: Lawyers meet privately with judge, then formally request removal in open court.
  • “All of the attorneys went back into chambers with the judge for about 15 minutes and then they came back into court.” (Alexis Toreschuk, 05:23)

3. Nick Reiner’s Courtroom Demeanor and Readiness

• Described as calm, alert, and aware; spoke clearly with attorneys and the judge.
  • “He looked very aware, alert. He was speaking with his attorneys repeatedly...He was not crying. He was not upset.” (Alexis Toreschuk, 20:24)
• Not incompetent or surprising behavior for someone accused of insanity.
  • “So this guy that everyone is saying is incompetent...he knew to scan the whole courtroom and look over and, oh, there she is. There’s my new lawyer.” (Nancy Grace, 06:20)
• Public defender Kimberly Green steps in; transition was clearly coordinated in advance.
  • “Kimberly Green said outside of court...this was discussed last night.” (Alexis Toreschuk, 11:42)

4. Why Did Jackson Leave?

• Panelists conclude the primary issue was nonpayment.
  • “...the other ground for permissive withdrawal...would be the client made it unreasonably difficult to provide representation. I really doubt that’s it...I don’t think he would want to leave that other than not getting paid.” (Chris Melcher, 08:33)
• No ethical breach or “conflict of interest” suspected.
• Notable: Jackson publicly asserts Reiner’s innocence.
  • “You can take this to the bank: pursuant to the laws of this state, pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that. Print that.” (Alan Jackson, 12:14)

5. Role and Reputation of Public Defenders

• Nancy pushes back on any stigma: “Public defenders get a bad rap. But they are some of, if not the most experienced trial lawyers in the courthouse.” (Nancy Grace, 13:12)
• Kimberly Green, the new lead defender, is described as experienced, Loyola Law grad, with years in high-stakes litigation.

6. Family Dynamics

• Reiner’s siblings absent in court; interpreted as a lack of support for Nick and unwillingness to fund his defense.
  • “If the siblings...were lining up beside him, they would have been in court today. We know it.” (Nancy Grace, 24:21)
• Neighbor and family friend Heather Michaels unequivocally states the family did not authorize Jackson’s representation and is not surprised by the day’s events.
  • “...this was not an authorized chess move forward for Nick. So I am not surprised about today at all. I was waiting for the next shoe to fall.” (Heather Michaels, 27:25)

7. Prosecution’s Standpoint

• The DA’s office stresses defendants’ right to effective representation and expresses confidence in a conviction.
  • “Every defendant is entitled to a lawyer who will zealously represent their interests and do so effectively...We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt...” (Nathan Hockman, DA, 17:14–18:18)

8. Mental Competency, Possible Defenses, and Evidence

• Discussion on defense options: incompetency (too impaired to aid defense), not guilty by reason of insanity, standard not guilty, or guilty plea.
  • “There are several ways...They can claim mental incompetency...not guilty by reason of insanity...guilty...or not guilty. Those are the only choices at this juncture.” (Nancy Grace, 18:27)
• Debate over Nick’s actions suggesting mental competence (e.g., giving lawyer house access, buying Gatorade after the murders).
  • “He goes into the convenience store...and he buys Gatorade. So obviously he knew the difference between right and wrong.” (Chris Melcher, 26:39)

9. Life in Custody

• Nick Reiner moved off suicide watch to “high observation,” not in general population; appears stable.
  • “He does not have to wear that anti self harm smock anymore, but he is in specific clothing...high observation housing unit.” (Nancy Grace, 31:50; Dr. Bethany Marshall, 32:44)
• Dr. Bethany Marshall explains: “It means that they're in an extraordinarily fragile state...but they're not such an acute risk at that point.” (32:44)
• Sidebar: Nick’s history of drug addiction, mental health struggles, and manipulative behavior toward family.

10. Victim Tragedy and Family Grief

• Explicit, repeated focus on the deep loss felt by family, friends, and industry.
  • “Rob and Michelle were so dearly loved by everybody...they did everything they could with Nick.” (Heather Michaels, 53:14)
• Expert insight into autopsy findings: wounds indicate the parents likely suffered and were aware during attack.
  • “I would imagine that unfortunately during this attack, they were conscious and aware of what was happening to them.” (Dr. Thomas Coyne, 48:45)
• Nancy pledges to keep victims’ legacy central: “...there will not be one night that we cover this investigation that we do not make it about the victims Rob and Michelle and their family left behind.” (Nancy Grace, 54:35)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Jackson leaving the case:
  “This morning I had to withdraw as Nick Reiner’s counsel. Circumstances beyond our control. But more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control.”
  —Alan Jackson (03:15)

• Nancy’s blunt appraisal:
  “He knew ahead of time, but waited for this poignant and dramatic moment to abandon the case...”
  —Nancy Grace (07:20)

• Panelist on money as motive:
  “He’s not leaving a case because he has an ethical concern. So let’s see what’s left. Not getting paid. Mr. Green didn’t show up. Cha Ching...”
  —Nancy Grace (07:20)

• Public defender’s reputation:
  “They don’t get to say no to a case they don’t like...that’s your job to represent people that have no representation.”
  —Nancy Grace (13:12)

• Nick’s calm acceptance:
  “The judge asked Nick...‘Do you agree to this?’ And he says, ‘Yeah, I agree to that.’”
  —Alexis Toreschuk (11:42)

• Jackson’s media sound bite:
  “Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that. Print that.”
  —Alan Jackson (12:14)

• Victim’s suffering:
  “I would imagine that unfortunately during this attack, they were conscious and aware of what was happening to them.”
  —Dr. Thomas Coyne (48:45)

• Friend’s anger and heartbreak:
  “I am very angry...It comes across like a rage. I mean, this was a brutal murder. And I’m not going to sugarcoat anything because...they were just really special people.”
  —Heather Michaels (52:19)

• Nancy’s parting promise:
  “For me, it’s about Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner that were brutally slashed dead in their own beds...by a son that they had spoon fed every privilege possible throughout his life.”
  —Nancy Grace (54:35)

Important Timestamps

• Episode main content begins: 01:56
• Discussion of lawyer withdrawal: 03:15–08:33
• Family dynamics & courtroom details: 11:41–15:46, 24:21–28:17
• New legal defense & public defender information: 06:20–07:20; 20:24–21:03; 39:57–40:08
• Prosecution’s statement: 17:14–18:27
• Victim focus, family grief: 53:14–54:35

Tone and Style

• Language is brisk, blunt, and unapologetically direct—classic Nancy Grace.
• Panelists include legal and forensic experts, crime journalists, and direct friends of the Reiner family.
• Emotional content balances legal strategy with personal and familial tragedy.

Takeaways

• The case has shifted dramatically as Nick Reiner loses his high-profile attorney, likely due to his siblings withholding financial support, and is now represented by an experienced public defender.
• While legal maneuvering and media spectacle swirl, the podcast’s core message remains resolutely focused on the victims—Rob and Michelle Reiner—and the devastating loss suffered by their family and friends.
• Listeners are reminded of the systemic and personal complications at the intersection of celebrity, crime, mental health, and family loyalty.