Nick Reiner, who is accused of murdering his parents Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, has been refused access to a $1.5-million trust fund he sought to use for his legal defense. As per a filing in June, Reiner had been trying to claim allegedly unpaid money from a trust fund set up by his parents in 1993.
Trustees, as per court documents obtained by CBC News, declined Reiner’s request for the funds, citing the “slayer statute” in California law. This clause prohibits individuals from inheriting money, property, or trusts from someone they have intentionally and feloniously killed. Rob Reiner, a renowned director and actor, and his wife Michele, a photographer and producer, were fatally stabbed in their California home on December 14. Shortly after, their son Nick Reiner was taken into custody. The 32-year-old was charged with murder on July 20 and has pleaded not guilty.
An indictment by a Los Angeles County grand jury, unveiled earlier this month, alleges that Reiner planned the attack on his parents. This, along with other circumstances, makes him eligible for the death penalty. District Attorney Nathan Hochman has not yet decided whether to pursue this penalty. Reiner is set to appear in court for a pretrial hearing in September, with public defender Kimberly Greene representing him.
In the June filing, it was mentioned that besides the family trust fund, separate trust funds had been set up for the Reiner children in their names. Nick Reiner was supposed to receive half of his trust fund at age 30 and the rest at 35. However, he claimed in the petition that he had not received the funds due to him at 30, alleging that the trustees were withholding money rightfully belonging to him.
The petition stated that Reiner is entitled to defend himself with his lawful resources and that the trust fund contained at least $1.5 million US. Esteemed private attorney Alan Jackson was initially hired to represent Reiner but left the case within a month without explanation. Reiner’s siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, initially agreed to cover their brother’s legal fees but later reversed their decision. Jackson expressed willingness to rejoin the case if the funds became available.
The lawyer overseeing the trust fund, Paul R. Kanin, and incoming trustee Jodi Pais Montgomery concluded in court documents that until the outcome of the criminal case against Reiner is known, the funds cannot be distributed. The trust fund cannot be accessed until it is determined whether Probate Code Section 250 and related “slayer statute” principles impact Reiner’s entitlement to the funds.
After eight months, many details surrounding the case remain undisclosed. Motives have not been speculated upon by authorities. Jake Reiner, the eldest son of Rob and Michele Reiner, shared in April about the anguish of his parents’ murder and the focus on allegations against his brother in the case.
In an emotional Substack essay, he expressed the devastation of losing both parents simultaneously and highlighted their unwarranted fate. Rob Reiner, known for his extensive contributions to the film industry, met Michele while filming “When Harry Met Sally,” a movie he directed. The couple was married for 36 years before their tragic deaths.
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