Nick Reiner, who is accused of murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, has been refused access to the $1.5 million US trust fund he was trying to tap into for his legal defense. As per a June filing, Reiner had been attempting to claim allegedly unpaid funds from a trust established by his parents for him back in 1993.
Trustees declined Reiner’s request for the funds, citing a provision in California law known as the “slayer statute,” which bars individuals from inheriting money, property, or trusts from someone they have intentionally killed. Rob Reiner, a renowned director and actor, and his wife, Michele, a photographer and producer, were fatally stabbed in their California home on Dec. 14, 2025, and their son Nick Reiner was arrested hours later.
The 32-year-old was formally charged with murder on July 20 and has entered a plea of not guilty. The indictment by a Los Angeles County grand jury, made public last Wednesday, alleges that Reiner had planned the attack on his parents. This, coupled with other circumstances, leaves him potentially facing the death penalty, although the decision on seeking it is pending from District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Reiner is set to appear in court for a pretrial hearing in September, with his legal representation currently handled by public defender Kimberly Greene. The filing in June stated that besides the main family trust fund, separate trusts were set up for the Reiner children, with Nick entitled to half of his fund at 30 and the remainder at 35.
Despite claiming in a petition that he hadn’t received the funds due to him at 30, Reiner alleged that the trustees were withholding money rightfully his. Lawyer Alan Jackson, who initially represented Reiner but later departed without explanation, indicated willingness to rejoin if the funds were available. Reiner’s siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, initially agreed to cover his legal fees but later reversed their decision.
The trust fund remains inaccessible pending the outcome of the criminal case against Reiner, as the “slayer statute” principles could affect his rights to the funds. Eight months after the tragic incident, many specifics remain undisclosed to the public, and there has been no speculation on the motives behind the killings.
Jake Reiner, the eldest sibling, opened up about the ordeal in April, describing it as a “living nightmare” and expressing the family’s anguish over the attention focused on his brother in relation to the case. Rob Reiner, famous for his contributions to the film industry, was known for directing iconic movies like “The Princess Bride,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Stand By Me.” He and Michele were married for 36 years.