Nick Reiner, accused of the murder of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, has been rejected access to the $1.5 million US trust fund he requested for his legal defense. In a filing from June, Reiner sought purportedly unpaid funds from a trust established by his parents in 1993.
Trustees declined Reiner’s plea for the funds, invoking a California law section known as the “slayer statute,” prohibiting individuals who have “feloniously and intentionally” killed someone from inheriting money or property from the deceased. Rob Reiner, a renowned director and actor, and his wife, Michele, a photographer and producer, were fatally stabbed in their California home on December 14, 2025, with their son Nick Reiner being arrested shortly after. The 32-year-old has been indicted on murder charges and has pleaded not guilty.
A Los Angeles County grand jury’s recently unsealed indictment claims that Reiner ambushed his parents before the attack, potentially leading to the death penalty. District Attorney Nathan Hochman has yet to decide on seeking this penalty. Reiner is set for a pretrial hearing in September, represented by public defender Kimberly Greene.
The filing disclosed that besides the family trust fund, separate individual trusts were set up for the Reiner children. Nick Reiner was due half of his trust at 30, with the remainder at 35. Alleging non-receipt of his entitled funds at 30, Reiner claimed the trustees were withholding his legal funds. The fund, valued at a minimum of $1.5 million US, was detailed in the petition.
Private attorney Alan Jackson had initially represented Reiner but left abruptly. Reiner’s siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, initially agreed to cover his legal expenses but later rescinded. Jackson expressed willingness to rejoin if funds were available. The siblings have not commented on the legal proceedings.
Lawyers overseeing the trust fund cited uncertainties surrounding Reiner’s criminal case, delaying fund distribution. The filing emphasized that access to the fund hinges on resolving any legal implications that could affect Reiner’s entitlement. Motives for the crime remain undisclosed, with Jake Reiner describing the ordeal as a “living nightmare” and expressing distress over allegations against his brother.
Rob Reiner, known for his extensive contributions to the film industry, met Michele during the production of the iconic film “When Harry Met Sally,” altering the ending to reflect their real-life romance. Their enduring marriage lasted 36 years.
