Nick Reiner is asking a court to allow him access to a trust fund established by his parents for his legal defense. Reiner faces charges of murdering his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, but argues that the funds were due before the alleged crimes occurred.
Reiner, aged 32, is seeking $558,000 from the trust that was set to be disbursed three years ago. He intends to rehire prominent criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson to represent him in court. According to Reiner, being denied access to the funds would be unconstitutional, as he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case has sparked debate due to the California Slayer statute, which prohibits individuals from profiting from crimes they committed. Reiner claims the statute should not apply because he has not been convicted, and the money was owed to him on his 30th birthday in September 2023, before his parents’ death.
In the legal motion, Reiner’s attorneys assert that the case is solely about the money designated for Nick, not the larger family trusts related to his parents’ estate. The funds in question were explicitly set aside for him and scheduled to be released on two specific dates: half at 30, and the remaining balance at 35.
Reiner allegedly stabbed his parents on December 14 and was arrested by police in Exposition Park. A grand jury indicted him on murder charges, emphasizing that Reiner was accused of ‘lying in wait’ to ambush his parents. Prosecutors have not disclosed any motive for the alleged crime.
Reiner maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that the death penalty will not be pursued at trial. The court is scheduled to hear Reiner’s request for access to the trust fund on October 23.
Former L.A. County prosecutor Joshua Ritter expressed agreement with Reiner’s interpretation of the slayer law but raised concerns about possible restrictions within the trust itself. He noted Reiner’s history of drug and mental health issues, implying that the trust might have provisions to prevent his access under such circumstances.
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