The lawyer for Nick Reiner has spoken publicly after withdrawing from his defense in a high-profile murder case. Reiner, the son of Rob and Michele Reiner, is accused of killing his parents, who were found dead in the bedroom of their Brentwood, Los Angeles home last month. He has been charged with first-degree murder. Reiner appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, January 7, where he waived his right to enter a plea. During the hearing, it was announced that his attorney, Alan Jackson, had stepped away from the case.

Speaking outside court, Jackson said the decision was due to “circumstances beyond my control, but more importantly beyond Nick’s control,” adding that he was legally and ethically unable to explain further. Jackson, who has previously represented high-profile clients including Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, said despite his withdrawal, he believes Reiner is not guilty.

Prosecutors strongly disagreed. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman told the court he was confident a jury would convict Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt in what he described as the brutal killing of his parents. Because of the change in legal representation, Judge Theresa McGonigle postponed Reiner’s arraignment until February 23. He has since been assigned Kimberly Greene from the public defender’s office.

A spokesperson for the Reiner family said they trust the legal process and will not comment further. If convicted, Reiner could face life imprisonment, though the death penalty is unlikely due to California’s ongoing suspension of capital punishment.