Nick Reiner Seeks Court Approval to Access Trust Fund for Legal Defense

Nick Reiner is seeking court permission to access a trust fund established by his parents to finance his legal defense on charges of their murder, according to newly public court documents. Reiner, aged 32, requests $558,000 from the trust, which he claims should have been disbursed three years ago. He intends to rehire attorney Alan Jackson for his defense against the charges connected to the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner in their Brentwood home last December.

In his court filing, Reiner asserts that any legal order blocking access to the funds is unconstitutional. He argues it denies a “presumed-innocent man” the use of his “own untainted money” before a trial determines his fate. NBC initially reported the filing on Monday night. Jackson, who previously withdrew from representing Reiner, did not comment on the case. The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office currently represents Reiner.

Earlier this year, Reiner initiated legal proceedings regarding the funds. However, the trust managers claim that California’s Slayer Statute bars him from accessing the funds. This statute prevents individuals from profiting from their crimes through inheritances. Reiner contends the statute is inapplicable as he remains unconvicted, and the money was owed to him by his 30th birthday in September 2023, prior to his parents’ deaths.

This case is not about the far larger Reiner family trusts, holding the assets and inheritances meant for their children, his attorneys argue. Instead, it concerns money specifically set aside for Nick, with payments scheduled for his 30th and 35th birthdays.

Reiner allegedly fatally stabbed his parents on December 14. His arrest occurred in Exposition Park, 12 hours after his sister Romy discovered their bodies, according to police reports. Last month, a grand jury indicted Reiner for murder and maintained an allegation of ambush. Prosecutors have not disclosed a potential motive for the crime. Reiner has pleaded not guilty; a conviction might lead to a life sentence. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced he would not seek the death penalty.

The court will consider Reiner’s trust fund access request on October 23. Former L.A. County prosecutor Joshua Ritter agrees with Reiner’s interpretation of the Slayer law. However, he speculates there could be other trust provisions limiting Reiner’s access, due to his documented substance abuse and mental health issues.

“The guy was a total wreck,” Ritter remarked. “You would imagine they built a trust with discretion.”