Nick Reiner, accused of murdering his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, is seeking funds from a trust his parents established to aid in his defense. The 32-year-old’s civil attorneys have filed a petition in a Los Angeles County court.
The petition asserts that the trustees managing the funds have unjustly denied them. It emphasizes that, like anyone accused of a crime, Nick is presumed innocent and deserves access to his resources for a proper defense.
“Nick loved his parents and is devastated by their deaths,” the petition states.
The trust reportedly holds at least $1.5 million, but the exact amount remains undisclosed. Rob Reiner, a renowned director, and Michele Singer Reiner, a producer and photographer, were murdered in their Brentwood home in December. Nick Reiner was subsequently arrested and pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
Reiner’s legal situation has seen complications. Though he initially hired private attorney Alan Jackson, Jackson exited the case shortly after for undisclosed reasons. Nick’s siblings initially agreed to cover Jackson’s fees but later withdrew support. Jackson has indicated a willingness to resume representation if funds become available.
According to the petition, Rob and Michele Reiner established separate trusts for each of their children, including Nick, and provided clear instructions regarding fund disbursement. Nick was due money when he turned 30, with additional funds at 35. The trustee, Paul R. Kanin, allegedly provided shifting excuses for withholding Nick’s due funds, questioning his competence without legal justification. Reiner argues for immediate access to his trust for his defense and basic necessities while incarcerated.
Kanin did not comment on the allegations. Proceedings in the murder case progress slowly, with a pretrial hearing set for September. Prosecutors have yet to decide on pursuing the death penalty, and authorities have shared little about the case’s intricacies or possible motives.
During a public statement, Jackson reinforced Nick Reiner’s innocence under California law. In a personal account, Jake Reiner described the family’s ordeal as “a living nightmare.”
Rob Reiner’s distinguished career included directing acclaimed films such as “This is Spinal Tap” and “Stand By Me.” He and Michele Singer, who met during the production of “When Harry Met Sally…,” married and shared 36 years of life together.