Alan Jackson Explains Why He Withdrew From Nick Reiner Murder Case, Doesn’t Want People ‘Speculating’

Alan Jackson has spoken out after withdrawing as Nick Reiner’s defense attorney.

Jackson appeared on Sirius XM’s Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa on Tuesday, January 13. The main question host Kelly Ripa had was why did Jackson withdraw from the case?

“Everybody’s got that same looming question, and I am compelled because of legal standards and ethical obligations; there’s certain things I simply cant divulge, Kelly, in terms of why there was a change in counsel, why we stepped away and the public defenders office stepped in and I will reiterate what I said in the press conference, which is, my team, me personally and my team, remain completely and utterly committed to Nick’s best interest,” he responded, per People.

“We always will be committed to his best interests,” the attorney, who represented Karen Read when she was acquitted of murder last year, added. “I want nothing but the best for him and I want him to get the most robust defense that he possibly can get. And I know he will, in the hands of the public defender’s office.”

Nick, 32, has been charged two counts of first degree murder related to the December 14 deaths of his parents Rob and Michele Reiner.

Jackson stepped away from the case during a hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, January 7 and was replaced with public defender Kimberly Greene.

He also spoke on the Hot Mics podcast with Billy Bush about his declaration that Nick is not guilty during his resignation announcement.

“I wasn’t doing any favors,” Jackson said. “I have a lot of faith in the public defender’s office. I have a lot of faith in Kimberly Greene. I have a lot of faith in their representation, they’re outstanding, outstanding, legal professionals.”

“I was doing a favor to the truth. We had worked at that time, it was about three weeks almost to the day, we had worked tirelessly. Nearly every waking hour, our entire team, and you saw the team behind me,” he continued. “It was important for me to write some wrongs that had been printed, lots of speculation, lots of people who want to believe certain things.

“And so that with that statement, that’s as far as I’m going to go, I believe in it. I believe exactly what I said. What I said is the truth — under the laws of the state of California, he’s not guilty,” he concluded.

When Bush pressed him on whether his reason for stepping away had to do with money, Jackson insisted it was a “confidential” matter and he had never suggested that his withdrawal had anything to do with his retainer.  “Obviously something happened with my ability to continue the representation,” he explained, “but I don’t want you, your audience, anybody else to start speculating as to what that might be. I have not said a word about it.”

Nick Reiner is currently in a Los Angeles jail being held without bail. He has not yet entered a plea. If convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty.

After signing off on the change of legal representation for Reiner on January 7, the judge set a new arraignment date for February 23.