Nick Reiner Seeks Access to Trust Fund Amidst Murder Charges

Nick Reiner, facing murder charges for the deaths of his parents, has used funds from a trust they established to pay for part of his defense. He claims he is entitled to more of this money. Probate lawyers disclosed this information on Monday during a court hearing.

Reiner, 32, was not present in court as discussions unfolded regarding his rights to $1.63 million in a trust fund set up by his parents, director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. His parents were found fatally stabbed in December in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home. Reiner has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, which include allegations of multiple murders and lying in wait.

Anita Wu, representing Reiner’s probate interests, stated that $200,000 has already been spent from the trust. This amount covers various expenses, including fees for his former defense attorney, Alan Jackson. Jackson, a prominent defense lawyer, left Reiner’s case in January due to ‘circumstances beyond our control.’ However, Jackson appeared in court with Wu, suggesting a possible return to the defense team if financial matters are settled.

The trustee currently overseeing the trust opposes any disbursement to Reiner. This stance is based on California’s ‘slayer statute,’ designed to prevent individuals from benefiting financially from crimes they commit. The trust was scheduled to provide Reiner with $1.63 million when he turns 35, but he deferred receiving $558,000, which became available when he was 30.

Reiner’s defense argues that, as he has not been convicted of his parents’ murders, he should have access to his trust funds. “The main point is that Nick Reiner has a right to his own money, and that is the focus of this legal process,” Jackson told reporters outside the courtroom.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ruben Garcia did not issue any rulings during the session and instructed both parties to return for further proceedings on October 23.