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Eric Faddis: Does Nick Reiner Lose His Best Chance Now That Alan Jackson Is Gone?
Description
Alan Jackson is one of the best defense attorneys in the country. He investigated the Nick Reiner case "top to bottom, back to front" and concluded Nick is "not guilty of murder" under California law. Now Nick has a public defender.
Does that change in representation fundamentally alter his chances — or is an insanity defense an insanity defense regardless of who's arguing it? Attorney Eric Faddis breaks it down.
Jackson withdrew under circumstances he's "legally and ethically prohibited" from explaining, citing factors "beyond Nick's control." His team spent three weeks on the case, issued ten sealed subpoenas, and built what appeared to be an insanity defense strategy. Then he walked outside and declared Nick not guilty from the courthouse steps.
Nick is now represented by Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene. His arraignment has been pushed to February 23rd. He's charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances — multiple murders and use of a deadly weapon — making this death penalty eligible.
Eric examines the sealed medical order reportedly relating to Nick's mental health treatment. Nick appeared at his first hearing in a suicide prevention smock and wasn't medically cleared for transport initially. At what point does "defendant has mental health issues" become a formal competency challenge?
There's also the gas station surveillance video showing Nick calmly buying a drink hours after the murders. Eric explains how that footage works for both prosecution and defense depending on how it's framed.
DA Nathan Hochman says he's "fully confident" in conviction and hasn't ruled out the death penalty. The surviving siblings have reportedly signaled they're not in favor. Eric analyzes how much that input actually matters.
#NickReiner #EricFaddis #AlanJackson #RobReiner #MicheleReiner #TrueCrimeToday #InsanityDefense #PublicDefender #TrueCrime #ReinerCase
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This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.