Nick Reiner, the individual accused of murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, last year, has been refused access to a $1.5 million US trust fund he had requested to finance his legal defense. As per a June filing, Reiner had sought allegedly unpaid funds from a trust set up by his parents for him in 1993.
Trustees, as per court documents obtained by CBC News, declined Reiner’s plea for the money, citing a provision in California law known as the “slayer statute,” which bars individuals who have “feloniously and intentionally” killed someone from inheriting money, property, or trusts from the deceased.
Rob Reiner, a renowned director and actor, and his wife, Michele, a photographer and producer, were fatally stabbed in their California residence on December 14, 2025. Shortly after, their son Nick Reiner was taken into custody. The 32-year-old was formally charged with murder on July 20 and has entered a plea of not guilty.
The indictment from a Los Angeles County grand jury, unveiled last Wednesday, states that Reiner had planned and ambushed his parents before the attack, a detail that could lead to capital punishment. District Attorney Nathan Hochman has yet to decide whether to pursue this penalty.
Reiner is set to appear in court for a pretrial hearing in September. He is currently represented by public defender Kimberly Greene, whom CBC News has contacted for a statement.
According to the June filing, besides the family trust fund, separate trust funds were established for each of the Reiner children, naming Nick as entitled to half of his trust fund at age 30 and the remaining at 35. However, he alleged in the petition that he did not receive the funds due at 30 and accused the trustees of withholding funds rightfully his.
The petition mentioned that the fund held assets worth at least $1.5 million US. High-profile attorney Alan Jackson was initially hired to represent Reiner but departed within a month without explanation. The filing revealed that Reiner’s siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, initially agreed to cover his legal costs but later changed their stance.
Jackson expressed readiness to rejoin the legal team if the funds became available for his services. The siblings have refrained from commenting publicly on the legal developments.
Paul R. Kanin, the previous overseer of the trust fund, and new trustee Jodi Pais Montgomery determined in court filings that the uncertainty surrounding the criminal case against Reiner warranted withholding fund distribution until the case’s resolution.
The trust fund remains inaccessible until the implications of Probate Code Section 250 and related “slayer statute” principles on Reiner’s claim to the funds are clarified. The motives behind the killings remain undisclosed eight months after the incident, with no official speculation from authorities.
Jake Reiner, the eldest son of Rob and Michele Reiner, shared his ordeal in April, describing the aftermath of his parents’ murder as a “living nightmare” and addressing the focus on his brother in the case.
Rob Reiner, recognized for his extensive contributions to the film industry, directed iconic movies like “The Princess Bride,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Stand By Me.” He met Michele during the filming of “When Harry Met Sally,” and the couple enjoyed a 36-year marriage.
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