Kimberly Greene, who has stepped in as the new public defender for Nick Reiner, is now addressing the recent switch in legal representation for the murder suspect.

Outside of Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, January 7, Greene, accompanied by Los Angeles County public defender Ricardo Garcia, shared insights after Reiner’s previous lawyer, Alan Jackson, withdrew from the case. “I had a brief conversation with Mr. Reiner this morning,” Greene remarked while engaging with the press.

She further explained, “He was aware there would be a transition in his legal team. However, we haven’t yet delved into any detailed discussions.”

Greene also noted that her exchange with the 32-year-old Reiner lasted roughly 30 seconds.

Alan Jackson, who previously represented Nick Reiner, opened up following his departure from the case. “As you might be aware, I had to step down as Nick Reiner’s attorney earlier today,” Jackson mentioned following the hearing on January 7. “Due to factors beyond our control, and particularly beyond Nick’s control, continuing in this capacity became untenable…”

Nick was charged with two counts of first-degree murder after his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, were found dead with apparent stab wounds in their Brentwood, California, home last month. (Rob and Michele, aged 78 and 70, respectively, also shared kids Jake, 34, and Romy. Rob also adopted an older daughter, Tracy, 61, during his marriage to late ex-wife Penny Marshall.)

The arraignment was supposed to take place on Wednesday morning, with Nick expected to announce his plea. With the sudden change in legal counsel, the arraignment has been delayed to February 23.

When asked if she had spoken to the Reiner family, Greene said, “I have not.” A similar question was raised about the Reiner family, to which she reiterated, “We’ve had no contact with the family. I don’t think they were aware that this was going on.”

The public defender took the podium just minutes after Jackson confirmed he was walking away from the case. Nick faces life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted.

“I’m legally and I’m ethically prohibited from explaining all the reasons why, I know that’s a question on everyone’s mind,” Jackson said of his departure. “We expect the public defender to step in, they’ve already been appointed and very carefully protect Nick Reiner’s interests as he moves forward through the system.”

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman spoke to the press following Nick Reiner’s recent court appearance. “In our criminal justice system every defendant is entitled to a lawyer who will zealously represent their interest and do so effectively,” Hochman, 62, said in a press conference outside the courthouse on Wednesday, January 7. “So is Nick […]

Jackson continued, “In fact, we know, we’re not just convinced, we know that the legal process will reveal the true facts of the circumstances surrounding Nick’s case. “What we’ve learned, and you can take this to the bank, is that, pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder.”

A reporter asked Greene what she thought of Jackson’s claim that Nick is not guilty, to which she replied, “We’ll discuss that with Mr. Reiner and see how to proceed.” She also explained that “it’s not uncommon for private counsel to turn over cases” to public defenders.

When asked when the public defender’s office found out they would be stepping in for Jackson for the rest of the case, Garcia revealed, “We learned, I believe, last night or yesterday that we were being substituted in.”

Additionally, during the press conference, Garcia stated, “I want to say that on behalf of the entire public defender’s office, we are incredibly sorry and understand the pain and suffering that the Reiner family is going through at this time as well as the entire Los Angeles community. The public defender’s office and the entire staff, our hearts at this time go out to the entire family. We hope that the community will also understand that this is a challenging time for the entire legal process. We ask for your patience, your understanding as we navigate this process through the legal system and that we will be available as we can be to address your questions when appropriate. Thank you.”

In a separate statement to Us Weekly, Garcia reiterated, “The Public Defender’s Office recognizes what an unimaginable tragedy this is for the Reiner family and the Los Angeles community. Our hearts go out to the Reiner family as they navigate this difficult time. We ask for your patience and compassion as the case moves through the legal process, as these matters are complicated and require careful consideration.”