Nick Reiner has used some of the trust fund money left by his deceased parents to help pay for his defense in a murder case. The trust, set up by director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, amounts to $1.63 million. Reiner, charged with murdering his parents, argues he should access more of these funds, according to probate lawyers on Monday.
The murders occurred in December in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Reiner pleaded not guilty to two murder charges, which include allegations of multiple murders and lying in wait.
Anita Wu, representing Reiner’s probate interests, disclosed that $200,000 from the trust has already been used, partly covering the fees for his previous lawyer, Alan Jackson. Jackson, a noted defense attorney, left the case in January due to unspecified circumstances. However, he appeared in court alongside Wu, suggesting he might return to the defense team if financial matters get settled.
A newly appointed trustee managing the trust last month opposes Reiner receiving any funds. She references California’s ‘slayer statute,’ which prevents individuals from profiting from their crimes. Initially, Reiner was set to receive the entire trust at age 35. By age 30, he was eligible for $558,000, yet he did not withdraw these funds.
Reiner’s legal team contends that he has the right to access the trust money since he has not been convicted regarding his parents’ deaths. ‘The main thing to take away from today’s hearing and moving forward is that Nick Reiner is very much entitled to his own money, his own funds, and that’s what this process is about,’ Jackson stated to reporters.
Judge Ruben Garcia of the Los Angeles County Superior Court did not make a decision during the hearing. He scheduled another court session for October 23.