Overview
- In court, Alan Jackson moved to withdraw, Nick Reiner consented, a public defender took over temporarily, and Judge Theresa McGonigle reset the arraignment for February 23.
- Outside the courthouse, Jackson cited circumstances beyond the control of both lawyer and client for his exit and affirmed his view that Reiner is not guilty under California law.
- TMZ and other outlets reported the defense may consider an insanity plea tied to schizoaffective disorder and medication effects, which remain unverified claims.
- Fox News commentators Todd Piro and attorney Josh Ritter suggested the defense could be seeding media narratives and argued reported behavior and CCTV could undermine an insanity strategy.
- Prosecutors have filed two murder counts over the December 14 Brentwood deaths, with potential penalties including life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.