US3 min(s) read
Published 12:39 09 Jun 2026 GMT
Nick Reiner is seeking access to a $1.5 million trust fund created by his late parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, whom he has been accused of killing in December 2025.
The 32-year-old is currently in custody awaiting trial after being charged with two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly fatally stabbing his parents.
At his arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court on February 23, he entered a plea of "not guilty."
On Monday, June 8, Nick filed a petition requesting half of the trust, which he claims should have been distributed to him when he turned 30, with the remaining portion due at age 35. However, he claims the trustee has not released any of the funds yet.
According to court documents, "The terms of Nick's Trust are not complicated, and they are not subject to reasonable dispute."
The filing continues, "Nick's parents left unambiguous instructions about when the funds in the Trust were to be released to him. One-half of the Trust was required to be distributed to Nick outright when he turned 30. They further instructed that when he turned 35, he would receive the rest of the funds in his Trust. These distributions are mandatory and unconditional."
The petition also states that the trustee has raised "unsubstantiated 'concerns' about Nick's so-called competence to 'manage a trust.'"
It argues, "These distributions are non-discretionary," and adds that "The trust does not authorize the Trustee to condition these distribution points on any subjective assessment by the Trustee as to Nick's intended use of those funds."
Nick says he requires the funds to hire high-profile criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson, described as "one of the country's most sought-after criminal defense attorneys," who previously withdrew from the case in January "because the anticipated funding did not materialize." He is currently represented by a public defender.
The filing emphasizes the urgency, stating that "the stakes for Nick could not be higher." It also notes that he told the trustee, "Time is of the essence," explaining he needed Jackson’s representation to avoid "further jeopardizing my defense in the criminal matter."
The petition adds, "He has made clear to the Trustee that he wants – and needs – the funds in his own Trust to be released so that he can pay for his criminal defense," and further claims, "Nick has no other means – to pay for his legal expenses, or for his basic support needs while incarcerated." It also states that Jackson is "ready, willing and able" to resume representing him.
Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 70, died on December 14, 2025, from "multiple sharp force injuries" caused "with a knife, by another," according to their death certificates.
Nick was arrested the following day and has remained in custody without bail. His most recent court appearance was on April 29, when his preliminary hearing was postponed to September 15, 2026.
If found guilty, he faces the prospect of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
