Alan Jackson explains why he recused himself from the Nick Reiner murder case

Alan Jacksonthe lawyer who previously represented Nick Reinerrecused himself from the murder case involving Fly And Michele Reinerbut opens up more about his departure.

Jackson appeared on Sirius XM “Let’s talk off camera with Kelly Ripa” on Tuesday, January 13, to answer some burning questions about the case and Nick’s whereabouts. Host Kelly Ripa asked the question on everyone’s mind: why did Jackson walk away from the case?

“Everyone has the same looming question, and I’m obligated to do so because of legal standards and ethical obligations; there are some things I just can’t disclose, Kelly, as far as why there was a change of counsel, why we withdrew and the public defender’s office stepped in and I will reiterate what I said at the press conference, which is that my team, me personally and my team, remain completely and totally committed to the best interest from Nick,” Jackson said. “We will always be committed to his best interests. I only want the best for him and I want him to have the strongest defense possible. And I know he will do that in the hands of the public defender’s office.”

Earlier today, Jackson answered a similar question on the “Hot Mics” podcast with Billy Bush on speculation surrounding his withdrawal.

“Obviously something happened regarding my and my team’s ability to continue the performance, but I don’t want you, your audience, or anyone else, to start speculating about what that might be. I haven’t said a word about it,” he told Bush.

Bush also specifically asked whether his departure was related to the retainer or the money.

“I mean, you can’t say that. You can’t say that, Billy. You can’t say something happened with the warrant because I never said that,” Jackson retorted.

Jackson added of the speculation: “I understand. But in the same way, I say it doesn’t matter at this point. I said what I said in the press conference because it’s true. And I believe it in my heart, and I also said that my team and I remain and will remain completely committed to the best interest of Nick Reiner. And that’s also true, and that’s not going to change. But I’m not going to get into the details of why why it was necessary for me to withdraw.

Jackson announced his departure of Nick’s legal advisor during a court appearance on Wednesday, January 7.

“We have no choice but to withdraw from our role as attorneys and request to be removed,” Jackson said in court. Judge Theresa McGonigle.

McGonigle then asked Nick, 32, if he agreed with the change in legal counsel, to which he replied: “Yes, I agree with that. »

Jackson spoke to reporters outside the courthouse after his withdrawal from the case.

“As you know, this morning I had to withdraw as counsel to Nick Reiner,” he said after the hearing. “Circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control, have meant that, unfortunately, it has been impossible for us to continue to represent Nick.”

Jackson continued, “I am legally and ethically prohibited from explaining all the reasons why, I know this is an issue that everyone is concerned about. We expect the public defender to step in, he has already been appointed and is very carefully protecting Nick Reiner’s interests as he moves through the system.”

The attorney said he and his team “remain deeply committed” to Nick and looking out for his “best interests.”

“In fact, we know, we’re not just confident, we know that the legal process will reveal the true facts regarding the circumstances surrounding Nick’s case,” Jackson said. “What we learned, and you can tell the bank about this, is that under California law, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder.”

Nick was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder hours after his parents, Rob and Michele, were found dead in their home in Brentwood, California, on December 14, 2025, with stabbings. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner determined that Rob and Michele died from “multiple force injuries” and ruled their deaths a homicide.

Jackson first appeared in court as Nick’s attorney on December 17. After his withdrawal on January 7, the public defender Kimberly Greene took over as Nick’s legal advisor.

Green told reporters outside the courthouse on Jan. 7 that “it’s not uncommon for private attorneys to turn over cases” to public defenders. However, Tre Lovellwho runs The Lovell Firm, said Us every week that Jackson’s “withdrawal was a bit of a surprise.”

“Conventionally, attorneys may choose to withdraw from criminal defense cases for a variety of reasons, which may include financial concerns or hesitation to become involved based on the evidence and likelihood of success,” the attorney said. We after the legal reshuffle.

Lovell also clarified: “Every defendant has the right to a public defender. This does not mean that Reiner, at some point, cannot retain a private attorney.”