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High-profile defense attorney Alan Jackson returned to the Van Nuys Courthouse this week beside his client Fraser Bohm, marking a courtroom appearance that follows Jackson’s abrupt exit from a separate, closely watched murder case. The exchange offered a rare public glimpse at Bohm’s case and Jackson’s team as prosecutors and the judge steer through pretrial motions and scheduling.
What unfolded in court on January 14
On Wednesday, Jackson and 25-year-old Bohm stood before Judge Thomas Rubinson. Bohm has pleaded not guilty to all charges tied to a deadly October crash. During the hearing, Bohm agreed to waive his right to a speedy trial, and the judge set the next status date for February 10.
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- Location: Van Nuys Courthouse, California.
- Date: January 14.
- Next court date: February 10.
Accusations prosecutors bring against Bohm
Authorities allege Bohm was driving at extreme speed along the Pacific Coast Highway when he lost control of his vehicle. Prosecutors maintain the car struck parked vehicles, which then hit four Pepperdine University students walking nearby.
- Victims: Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams.
- Alleged conduct: Exceeding 100 mph, loss of control, collisions with parked cars.
- Charges: Four counts of murder and four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.
Judicial rulings that shaped pretrial posture
Judge Rubinson has denied defense attempts to narrow or dismiss the most serious charges. Earlier rulings kept the murder counts intact and rejected a bid to halve Bohm’s bail.
- The court refused to dismiss murder charges in November 2025.
- A request to reduce bail from $4 million to $2 million was denied.
Rubinson emphasized the court would not reshape bail policy to favor private counsel, noting many detainees would welcome reduced bonds for the same purpose.
Snapshots from the hallway and the stand
Reporters observed Jackson talking quietly with Bohm during the hearing. After an exchange with the judge, Bohm responded in the affirmative when asked about waiving speedy trial rights. Outside court, Jackson described the client and legal team as doing well.
Behavior noted: Brief physical reassurance and calm dialog between attorney and client.
Why Jackson stepped away from the Reiner case
Just days before representing Bohm at Van Nuys, Jackson publicly withdrew from defending Nick Reiner in the case involving his parents’ deaths. Jackson said circumstances beyond the control of him and his client made continued representation impossible.
He declined to disclose details, citing legal and ethical constraints, and said a public defender has been appointed to protect Reiner’s rights moving forward.
Jackson’s public comments and podcast appearance
On a recent podcast, Jackson pushed back against suggestions that finances drove his Reiner exit. He stated he had not discussed retainer issues publicly and urged against speculation about the reason he left the case.
Background on the Reiner matter tied to Jackson’s withdrawal
Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025. Police later arrested their son, Nick Reiner, near USC. He faces two counts of first-degree murder and potential life or capital punishment if convicted.
Next steps for both cases
Bohm’s defense will reconvene on February 10. For Reiner, a public defender, Kimberly Greene, is now listed as counsel and a February 23 court date is on the calendar. Legal teams on both matters are expected to file further motions and prepare for discovery.
- Fraser Bohm: Next status hearing — February 10.
- Nick Reiner: New counsel in place; next appearance — February 23.
