The murders of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, in December of last year left Hollywood greatly stunned and saddened. Both were extremely popular and widely respected members of the entertainment community. Adding to the horror of their deaths was the arrest of their son, Nick, who was charged with their slaying. In yet another shock development, Reiner's attorney, Alan Jackson, suddenly walked off the case. Now, he is opening up about why he exited. Per Page Six, Jackson "revealed he quit the murder case because he wasn't paid the amount he was promised."
Videos by Wide Open Country
However, the door to his participation may not be entirely closed. Nick Reiner is reportedly trying to gain access to a $1.5 million trust fund. That is allegedly partly to get Jackson back onboard again. In legal documents cited by the outlet, Jackson reportedly said he would jump back in if the money was available to pay him.
Jackson Got Involved Right Away, Then Circumstances Changed
According to the outlet, Alan Jackson was asked to represent Nick Reiner the day he was arrested. He evidently went to work on the case immediately. In a court filing, Jackson stated, "Although we were away from California and no funds had yet been paid, I immediately began evaluating and responding to the situation." It looks like Jackson was already planning a defense strategy in the headline-making case.
Additionally, Reiner's sister and brother, Romy and Jake, "agreed verbally to act as third-party payors" for their sibling's legal costs. Jackson is now saying that after he got that assurance, "he and his firm began spending money on the case," per Page Six.
He Left the Case Due to Money Issues
But the situation apparently changed by the end of December. He was allegedly told that the funding he was promised would not be forthcoming. Therefore, Alan Jackson ended his involvement.
On one hand, the famed attorney noted that he would not have invested time, energy, and resources in Nick Reiner's case had he been aware that there was an issue with the money to pay him. Nevertheless, "Jackson said he told Nick's trustee he wants back on the case," according to the outlet.
Reiner is currently being represented by a public defender, Kimberly Greene.
