Nick Reiner, facing murder charges for the alleged killings of his parents, has had his petition to access a $1.5 million trust fund denied by the trustees overseeing it. Reiner, 32, was indicted for the December 2025 murders of his mother, Michele Singer Reiner, and father, Rob Reiner, and has been held in custody in Los Angeles since his arrest.
Legal Challenges in the Wake of Parent’s Murder
Reiner entered a not guilty plea to the initial murder charges in February, and he has since faced additional charges as legal proceedings continue. In June, he filed a probate petition seeking access to the trust set up by his deceased parents, intending to hire prominent attorney Alan Jackson for his defense. Jackson had previously withdrawn from the case in January, prompting Reiner to be assigned a public defender.
The “Slayer Statute” and Its Implications
Recent court documents, as reported by The New York Times, detailed the objections raised by Jodi Pais Montgomery, the professional fiduciary managing the trust. The fiduciary cited California’s “slayer statute,” which prohibits individuals convicted of felonious homicide from inheriting any property or benefits from the estate of the deceased. According to Montgomery’s attorney Lauriann Wright, “California has enacted no exception permitting a killer’s inheritance to be used for criminal defense costs.”
Potential Future Distributions
Wright emphasized that the funds would instead be distributed to Reiner’s siblings, Romy and Jake Reiner, in accordance with the statute. Although Reiner maintains his innocence until proven guilty, Wright argued that releasing the funds before the trial would lead to irreparable consequences.
Reiner’s Legal Team’s Response
In response, Reiner’s attorney, Anita P. Wu, refuted the applicability of the slayer statute in this scenario. “The slayer statute requires a determination, not a mere accusation,” she stated. “Nick is presumed innocent and has been convicted of nothing.”
Trust Distribution Details
Reiner’s original petition noted that he was to receive a portion of the trust upon turning 30—an event that took place in 2023—but claimed he did not receive any distribution at that time. The remaining funds are to be distributed when he reaches the age of 35.
Upcoming Court Hearing
Nick Reiner’s next scheduled court appearance is set for September 15, as he continues to navigate the complexities of his legal challenges.
