A high-powered lawyer for Nick Reiner, who is charged with murdering his Hollywood director father Rob Reiner and mother Michele, has withdrawn from the case.
It emerged that Alan Jackson would no longer represent Nick Reiner during a court hearing, though the attorney said afterwards that he believed his now-former client was innocent.
Reiner, 32, did not enter a plea to charges of first-degree murder of his parents during a brief appearance at Los Angeles Superior Court.
The Reiners were found dead with stab wounds on December 14 in the bedroom of their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
Jackson said outside court after Wednesday's hearing that he had left the case. Circumstances beyond my control, but more importantly circumstances beyond Nick's control, have made it impossible for us to continue our representation, he told reporters.
I'm legally and ethically prohibited from explaining the reasons why.
The lawyer, who has previously represented Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, added that Reiner was not guilty of murder.
However, LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman maintained a strong position, stating, We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murder of his parents - Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
The accused will now be represented in court by a public defender.
To qualify for a publicly funded attorney, defendants must show they lack the means to fund their legal case. Rob Reiner's net worth was estimated at $200 million and it is unclear who was paying the retainer for his son's high-powered attorney.
Nick has a brother and sister and expressed his understanding of waiving his right to enter a plea during the hearing.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 23.
Rob Reiner, 78, directed iconic films such as This is Spinal Tap, Misery, and A Few Good Men, while Michele Singer Reiner, 70, was an actress and producer.
