Hidden True Crime - Everything You Need to Know from Nick Reiner’s Hearing | Rob and Michele Reiner

Episode Date: January 8, 2026

A bombshell moment in court just changed everything in the Nick Reiner case. What was supposed to be a routine arraignment took a shocking turn when high-profile defense attorney Alan Jackson abruptly walked away—then stepped outside and declared, “Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that.” In this episode, we break down the sudden withdrawal, the meaning behind those carefully chosen words, and why this case may be shifting from a murder trial to a battle over mental illness, criminal intent, and legal responsibility. Sponsor: Quit overspending on wireless—get 50% off Unlimited premium wireless plans starting at $15/month for a limited time at https://mintmobile.com/Hidden About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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case unfolds because when a high-profile defense attorney suddenly walks away from a case like this without warning, that is something that doesn't happen lightly. So today, we're going to break down exactly what happened, what was said, what wasn't said, and what all of this could mean moving forward. Just weeks ago, Hollywood was shaken by the brutal deaths of legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner, the man behind the Princess Bride, when Harry met Sally, a few good men and so many more, and his wife of more than three decades, a legend in her own right, photographer and producer Michelle Singer-Riner. Both were found murdered inside their Brentwood, California home, the medical examiner, ruled their deaths a homicide and listed the cause as multiple sharp force injuries. Their youngest son,

Nick Reiner, was arrested hours later. Prosecutors alleged Nick fatally stabbed both of his parents in the early morning hours. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a special allegation involving a knife, which carries the possibility of life in prison without parole or even the death penalty. And from the very beginning, this case has been surrounded by addiction, severe mental illness, family tension, and disturbing instability. And that brings us to what unfolded today inside a Los Angeles courtroom. Nick was brought in head shaved and wearing a brown jail uniform over a white t-shirt. In other words, no more side smock. His wrists and ankles were shackled as he stood behind the glass enclosure reserved for defendants. Cameras were allowed in the

courtroom, but at the request of his legal team, the judge ordered that Nick himself could not be filmed. However, we do have some sketches, some courtroom sketches. He appeared calm and quiet, and at times he was almost unsettlingly relaxed, speaking softly with his attorneys, even cracking a slight smile while talking with a court staff member. He was expected to enter his plea, and instead, his attorney dropped a bombshell. Defense attorney Alan Jackson, who is nationally known for representing clients like Karen Reed, Kevin Spacey, and Harvey Weinstein stood and told the court, quote, we feel that we have no choice at this juncture but to withdraw as counsel and ask to be relieved. There was no explanation, no warning this was going to happen. He was just done.

And how else would you have to reject the President? Your Honor, at this time, I on behalf of Orcham Jackson, McQuinn, and with Mr. Reiner's understanding and consent, would ask to withdraw as counsel's record based on the conversation that we've had in chambers and the explanation we've provided to the court in chambers, you feel that we have no choice at this juncture, but to withdraw as counsel and has to be relieved.

The public defender's office has been notified. We've had conversations with them. They are here, they're staffed, they're ready to take over. My understanding is they are ready for the appointment immediately forthwith. Good morning. Your Honor, I'm really hearing from the public defender's office. That is correct. So the court will face and so that firm is really disconsal record and the court appoints the public witness office to represent Mr. Ryan. Thank you. Current counsel turnover and any items that they receive.

We will absolutely comply with that regarding to begin with the the addition has been met. A public defender named Kimberly Green, was then immediately assigned to the case, Nick's arraignment was again postponed and now expected to take place on February 23rd, over a month from now. The only time anyone heard anything from Nick was when Judge Theresa McGonigal asked if he agreed to the new date,

and Nick replied, quote, yeah, I agree. And that was it. You weigh your right to be arraigned today so that your matter may be continued to February 23, 2026 for arraignment. The court finds that the defendant has been annoying and intelligent waiver was right to a speedy arraignment and that his counsel of record joints in that in that waiver. Matters set for arraignment in this department, February 23, 2026, they'll remain at no bail. Before the judge approved his motion to withdraw from the case, Jackson also informed Judge McGonigal

that the defense had 10 subpoenas still pending, 10 subpoenas for witnesses, still pending. She decided to keep the list of individuals confidential for now and ruled that it did not need to be disclosed to the prosecution at this time. You know, we have a matter of housekeeping that I'd like to address in chambers in dealing with the 10 subpoenas that are outstanding. There are 10 current subpoenas that are outstanding. we would ask that body attachments be issued and held for each of the 10,

specifically with subpoena number four on the list and subpoena number 10 on the list. Counsel for both of those individuals or those parties have appeared in court. They're here with us today. We have no principal rejection to an extension of time for them to comply with the subpoena, but to maintain jurisdiction, we would ask that body attachments be issued. I don't have a list. I'd like to get a copy, and I haven't seen them to push the service, but I assume in the court. Council for four and ten present yes your honor I'm not sure which number I am

number ten and we do object to issue if that would resolve the court's concerns about retaining jurisdiction or we see no reason given our appearance and the fact that we are here to issue in the building ten and council for remember report thank you in council number ten's statement I don't think see the necessity for issuing of body attachment I too will stipulate the jurisdiction without necessarily waiving any objections we ultimately may make but given my newness to the matter I don't see the necessity of having a

court order issued against an individual in this circumstance I'm here I'm going to the best to the best to thank you your honor and just to be clear we do also observe all our objections yes and so but as to the remaining numbers that's one two three five, six, seven, and eight, those, the rule of the court will issue body attachment and hold it until the next word date. And nine. And nine.

Thank you. We have no objection to council's representations given the fact that both have graciously submitted to jurisdiction with regard to four and ten. We think that's appropriate. And so no one knows who is actually on the list, ten subpoenas, ten witnesses. But speculation is lying. Some wonder if it could be witnesses for. from Conan O'Brien's party, while others think it could be experts or anyone else connected to the

Reiner family and the case. Right now, we can only guess. A couple of these witnesses that we don't know the identity to even had attorneys present in the courtroom. That tells me there's some fairly high-profile witnesses to have their own attorneys there. Present. Now that the holidays are over a lot of people are feeling that post-holiday spending hangover. Between the food, the gifts, and everything else, it adds up fast, which is why January is a great time to cut back, starting with your phone bill. MittMobil's end of your sale is still going on, but only until the end of the month. Right now, you can get 50% off unlimited premium wireless when you choose three, six or 12 months. It's an easy way to stop over paying without changing how you use your

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Jackson would say publicly, because of course Jackson is going to, to publicly speak. While Jackson is known for the defense of clients, he is also an attorney known for speaking outside of courthouses. And oftentimes people are waiting to see what he has to say outside the courthouse rather than inside the courtroom. So Jackson looked at reporters and stated, quote, circumstances beyond our control and more importantly, beyond Nick's control, have made it impossible for us to continue our representation. He also stated, quote, We remain deeply committed to Nick and his best interest. And then, and then he made a statement that stopped a lot of people in their tracks.

He said, quote, what we've learned and you can take this to the bank, is that pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that, end quote. As you know, my name is Alan Jackson. This morning, I had to withdraw as Nick Reiner's counsel. 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. I'm legally and I'm ethically prohibited from explaining all the reasons why.

I know that's a question on everybody's mind. We expect the public defender to step in. They've already been appointed and very capably protect Nick Reiner's entry. as he moves forward through the system. But be clear, be very, very clear about this. My team and I remain deeply, deeply committed to Nick Reiner and to his best interests. In fact, we know, we're not just convinced,

we know that the legal process will reveal the true facts of the circumstances surrounding this case. Nick's case. You know, a lot's been printed of late, of the last three weeks. A lot has been printed. Printed about Mick, printed about his family, printed about the circumstances, speculation is in print. On December 15th, in the early morning hours, I was in New York at the time and I got a call. Me and my team, we dropped everything. And for the last three weeks, we have devoted literally every waking hour to protecting Nick and his interests. 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. Print that. print that. We wish him the very, very best moving forward. And that's all I have today. And here we are, Mr. Jackson, printing that statement, or at least quoting that statement. But wording matters here. So let's talk about what he just said. He didn't say that Nick didn't do it or that the act didn't happen. He said that he's not guilty of murder. Nick's not guilty of murder. And it's an interesting choice of words given the bus surrounding Nick's alleged mental health diagnosis. under California law, if someone commits an act while legally insane, meaning they didn't understand the nature or wrongfulness of their actions, they can be found not guilty by reason

of insanity, which means the act may have occurred, but legally it is not considered murder. So many people think Jackson's words may be pointing to something much deeper that this case may not ultimately be about criminal intent, but about a psychiatric crisis. At the same time, there is another uncomfortable reality that often plays a role in cases like this, and that's money. These type of defenses cost millions, and there are indications that the Reiner family, including Nick's siblings, may be distancing themselves financially from his defense. They just lost their parents. They're grieving. And now they may be facing the possibility of funding the defense of the person accused of killing them. That has to be

an impossible position. When funding dries up, private attorneys often step aside and public defenders take over, which may be exactly what we just witnessed. There are also several other reasons, high-profile attorneys withdraw from cases, and none of them are small reasons. Sometimes it's an ethical conflict, a client refusing a particular strategy or mental competency issues that make representation impossible. Sometimes the discovery of facts dramatically changes the direction of the defense. All of that, combined with funding issues, may explain why Alan Jackson stepped away, leaving public defender Kimberly Green to take over.

Public defender Ricardo Garcia said he only learned on Tuesday that his office and Kimberly Green would be stepping in to represent Nick Tuesday, yesterday. Green had only spoken to Nick, though, for the first time today, Wednesday, and for only about 30 seconds. She also said she wasn't able to discuss the direction of the case at this time. In a statement, Garcia said, quote, the public defender's office understands what an unimaginable loss, this is for the Reiner family, and the Los Angeles community. Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask for patience and understanding as the case progresses, as these matters are complex and require careful attention, end quote. At the same time,

Alan Jackson's claim that Nick is not guilty of murder raises the question, what will the prosecution argue? For first-degree murder, prosecutors must prove not just that the act happened, but that Nick had intent. They must show. he understood the nature of what he was doing, that he knew it was wrong, and that he carried out premeditated actions. They will likely point to his movement, statements, and actions before and after the murders to suggest awareness. If they can't establish intent, an insanity defense could fail. But if Nick truly was psychiatrically impaired at the time of the murders, the case may pivot into a high-stakes battle over criminal responsibility versus mental illness,

And behind all of this is Nick's long history of addiction, instability, and serious mental illness. He has spent years cycling through rehab, relaps, and even periods of homelessness. He has also allegedly been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and sources say his psychiatric medication was adjusted shortly before the killings, while insiders claim that the change made him unstable, erratic, and dangerous. as some sources put it, Nick was, quote, out of his head, end quote. We've learned that he had been living in the guest house on his parents' property. The night before his parents' deaths, he reportedly argued with his father at Conan O'Brien's Christmas party, and multiple people noticed his behavior was off, so much so that someone wanted to allegedly call the police,

but Conan told them not to. Hours later, his parents were dead. Just days before they were killed, Rob and Michelle mailed handwritten holiday cards we've learned, as well as bonuses to various people in their lives. Michelle's trainer, Netta Soderquist, publicly shared her card and wrote, quote, Even from heaven, they are still making sure everyone receives their bonuses.

And inside the card, Michelle had written quote, we love each other, are mad at each other, and then just move on, and it always works out, end quote. Those cards, they weren't just holiday notes, they were final reminders of who Rob and Michelle were, loving, generous, forgiving, and deeply devoted to the people around them. Nick's siblings, Jake and Romi, released a statement last month stating, words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. They described Rob and Michelle not just as parents, but as their best friends, and asked the public for compassion, privacy, and humanity. Regarding the case, a spokesperson for the Reiner family told one media outlet, quote, they have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal procedure.

beatings." There is also another layer of tragedy here that often goes unspoken. Nick's siblings are not only grieving their parents. They are also watching their brother disappear into the criminal justice system. They are being asked, silently and publicly, to hold two realities at the same time, to mourn their parents and to reconcile the possibility that another person they love, their own brother may be the one responsible. They are navigating the unthinkable. Loyalty versus truth, grief versus justice, love versus accountability, all while under public scrutiny. And no matter

what the verdict becomes, their family has already been permanently changed. This case is not only about the crime. It's about the emotional wreckage left behind when mental illness, addiction, and violence collide inside a family that once gathered for the holidays, sent handwritten cards with bonuses, and try to nurture and forgive one another even in tiny, ordinary ways. Presently, while Nick is not on suicide watch anymore, he is still being monitored very closely, with jail staff checking in on him every 15 minutes due to the mental health issues he has. He is also still in solitary confinement in what is called HOH or high observation housing, and he will have to remain there unless a judge or a court hearing determines that placement can change.

While in HOH housing, whenever he leaves his cell, he is escorted by not only a deputy, but also a video camera. And despite that, a source for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office has said that from their knowledge, he is not having any issues when it comes to sleeping and eating. He remains jailed without bail and is still not yet entered a plea. He has not yet stated, guilty or not guilty, still has not, this simple yet vital court procedure has now been delayed not once but twice. The district attorney says he is fully confident. A jury will convict Nick Reiner of what he has called the brutal murders of his parents, but prosecutors have not yet said whether they will seek the death penalty. And now, with his high-profile defense attorney suddenly stepping away, it seems almost as quickly as he jumped in, this case has entered an entirely new phase. This is not just a celebrity crime story. It's a family tragedy layered with mental, illness, addiction, and unimaginable loss. And the sudden change in Nick's defense tells us one thing for sure. There's a lot, a lot happening behind the scenes. And we are only beginning to see it. We'll continue following every development and bringing up updates as they come in.

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