Law&Crime Sidebar Nick Reiner Not Guilty of Murders?
Jan 9, 2026
Seth Zuckerman, a skilled criminal defense attorney, joins to break down the Nick Reiner case after his attorney's dramatic withdrawal. They discuss how the statement of 'not guilty' hints at a possible insanity defense or other strategies. Zuckerman further explores the implications of expert witnesses and funding issues. The duo also talks about the role of the Los Angeles County Public Defender and the potential impact of celebrity witnesses. Tune in for deep legal insights and unexpected twists in this high-profile case!
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Choice Of Words Reveals Defense Strategy
- Alan Jackson's exact wording "not guilty" signals a strategy other than claiming innocence or blaming another perpetrator.
- Jesse Weber and Seth Zuckerman infer this strongly points to either an insanity or heat-of-passion defense that targets legal guilt, not factual innocence.
Heat-Of-Passion Could Reduce Charges
- A heat-of-passion defense argues the killing lacked premeditation and should reduce murder to manslaughter.
- Seth Zuckerman notes this could significantly lower sentencing exposure compared with first-degree murder charges.
Insanity Defense Requires Time-Of-Crime Incapacity
- California law allows a not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity verdict if the defendant had a mental disease or defect impairing understanding or moral knowledge.
- Jesse Weber and Seth emphasize that proving this requires showing incapacity at the time of the killings, not just a later diagnosis.