Nick Reiner’s lawyer speaks out on Rob and Michele Reiner’s murders: 'This is a devastating tragedy'

Alan Jackson also confirmed the next court date in the case will be Nick Reiner's arraignment, scheduled for January 7
UPDATED DEC 18, 2025
Nick Reiner's lawyer, Alan Jackson, spoke to the press about the murders of Rob and Michele Reiner on Wednesday, December 17 (Fox News/YouTube, Getty Images)
Nick Reiner's lawyer, Alan Jackson, spoke to the press about the murders of Rob and Michele Reiner on Wednesday, December 17 (Fox News/YouTube, Getty Images)


LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Alan Jackson, the defense attorney of Nick Reiner, who was charged with the murders of his parents, Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, has spoken to the press for the first time about the tragic event.

Jackson described the murders as a devastating tragedy and urged the public to allow the legal process to unfold.

Nick Reiner's lawyer says there are 'very complex and serious issues' associated with the case

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 17: Alan Jackson, attorney of Nick Reiner, appears in court to defend Reiner on murder charges on December 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The LAPD confirmed that Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Brentwood home. Their son Nick was arrested in connection with their deaths and is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney. (Photo by Jae C. Hong-Pool/Getty Images)
Alan Jackson, attorney of Nick Reiner, appears in court to defend his client on murder charges on December 17, 2025, in Los Angeles, California (Jae C. Hong-Pool/Getty Images)

Speaking to the reporters briefly outside a Los Angeles courthouse on Wednesday, December 17, after Nick made his first appearance in court, Jackson said, “First of all, and most importantly, this is a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family. We all recognize that. Our hearts go out to the entire Reiner family. There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case."

"We ask that during this process, you allow the system to move forward in the way that it was designed to move forward, not with a rush to judgment, not with jumping to conclusions, but with restraint and with dignity, and with the respect that this system and this process deserves and that the family deserves," he added.

Nick Reiner's arraignment set for next month

Nick Reiner attends AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios In New York on May 4, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic)
Nick Reiner attends AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios in New York on May 4, 2016, in New York City (Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic)

Jackson also confirmed the next court date in the case will be Nick's arraignment, scheduled for January 7.

On Tuesday, Nick was charged with fatally stabbing his parents, who were found dead in their California home on Sunday.

According to the prosecutor, he faces two counts of "murder with the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders," as well as a "special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, a knife."

"Rob Reiner was one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement on Tuesday. "His murder and his wife of more than 35 years, Michele Singer Reiner's murder, are shocking and tragic. We owe it to their memory to pursue justice and accountability for the lives that were taken."

Reiner family breaks silence after tragic murders

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Honoree Rob Reiner poses with family at the 41st Annual Chaplin Award Gala at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on April 28, 2014, in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Rob Reiner poses with family at the 41st Annual Chaplin Award Gala at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on April 28, 2014, in New York City (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

In a latest statement shared with TMZ and PEOPLE magazine on Wednesday, the deceased couple’s children, Jake and Romy Reiner, said, "Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day."

"The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience," they said.

"They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends," the statement continued. 

"We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life," it concluded.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Patrick Dempsey reflected on the heavy toll of losing loved ones, noting that he had already lost both parents and several friends over the past year
23 hours ago
Xavier Trudeau said Katy Perry spoke with him for hours about his music, offering advice as he builds his R&B career under the name Xav
23 hours ago
Katherine Hartley Short attended select public events with her father while largely maintaining a private life
2 days ago
Kelly Osbourne shared screenshots of the offensive comments she received on social media, telling her to 'ditch the Ozempic' and 'eat a burger'
2 days ago
Nick Reiner appeared shackled in court, pleaded not guilty to murdering Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner after an alleged dispute
3 days ago
Other notable contributors to the GoFundMe campaign set up to support Eric Dane’s daughters include 'Euphoria' creator Sam Levinson and Brad Falchuk
3 days ago
Here are 10 stars whose fashion choices did not quite capture the magic expected from such a prestigious night
4 days ago
Kate Middleton, Carey Mulligan, Emma Stone, Timothee Chalamet, and Teyana Taylor were among the best-dressed celebrities at the 2026 BAFTA Awards
4 days ago
Rebecca Gayheart halted her divorce to care for Eric Dane during his ALS battle, calling their bond familial despite separation
4 days ago
Kate Middleton attended the BAFTAs with Prince William in a pink off-shoulder gown, coordinated with his velvet tuxedo jacket
4 days ago