Nick Reiner’s family cuts financial support for murder trial defense: 'They’re not involved'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nick Reiner is reportedly defending himself in court without any financial backing from his family.
The 32-year-old, who has pleaded not guilty to the killings of his parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner, is currently being represented by a public defender. His siblings, Romy and Jake, are not stepping in to hire a private criminal defense attorney, TMZ reported.
“They’re not involved,” a source with direct knowledge told the outlet.
Earlier in the case, the family had hired high-profile criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson to represent Nick. However, Jackson abruptly withdrew in January before a scheduled court appearance. At the time, he said his team had “no choice but to withdraw and ask to be relieved."
Nick is now represented by public defender Kimberly Greene.
Nick Reiner charged with double murder, held without bail
Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with the special circumstance of multiple murders, in connection with the deaths of his parents. Actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife of 36 years, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead with stab wounds on December 14 inside their Brentwood home.
He also faces a special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, a knife.
The LA County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that both died from “multiple sharp force injuries” and ruled their deaths a homicide. Nick was arrested and charged later that same day, just hours after their bodies were discovered. He has been held without bail since.
At his arraignment, prosecutors said they're "still awaiting completed autopsies of the slain couple," People reported.
No motive has been publicly disclosed. It also remains unclear whether his history of mental illness is connected to the case. A court order has prevented the release of additional details, keeping much of the investigation under wraps.
His next court hearing is scheduled for April 29.
Nick Reiner appears shackled in court, pleads not guilty
Nick appeared in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom on February 23 wearing a brown jail jumpsuit, shackled, with a shaven head and noticeably sunken eyes. He stood before the judge charged with two counts of first-degree murder after his parents were found dead.
He waived his right to a speedy trial and entered a not guilty plea. He briefly smiled when his lawyer approached him but otherwise remained mostly silent throughout the proceedings.
Prosecutors allege the killings followed an argument the night before at a party, though few additional details have been made public due to a court order limiting the release of information.
Nick wore a self-harm prevention smock during his first court appearance earlier this month. At a subsequent hearing, he appeared without it. The screenwriter has struggled with substance abuse for years and has reportedly been in and out of rehabilitation programs.
In the weeks before the killings, there were no obvious signs of trouble, according to those close to the family. Rob’s friend, cinematographer Barry Markowitz, told Page Six that everything seemed normal when he stayed with the Reiners shortly before the tragedy.
Barry told the outlet, “(Nick) helped out, he took out the garbage, he watched TV, he washed dishes. He’d bring me something to drink. He was just normal in that sense.” He added that Nick appeared to be “on the upswing” and “looked great.”
