Nick Reiner, accused of murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, has been turned down in his bid to access a $1.5 million US trust fund he wanted to utilize for his legal defense. The filing in June revealed that Reiner had been attempting to claim allegedly unpaid funds from a trust established by his parents back in 1993.
Trustees declined Reiner’s request for the funds, citing a provision in California law known as the “slayer statute,” which prohibits individuals from inheriting assets from someone they have intentionally killed. The renowned director and actor, Rob Reiner, and his wife, Michele, a photographer and producer, were fatally stabbed in their California residence on December 14, 2025. Shortly after, their son Nick Reiner was taken into custody.
Nick Reiner, aged 32, was formally charged with murder on July 20 and has pleaded not guilty. The indictment by a Los Angeles County grand jury asserted that Reiner had premeditated the attack on his parents, potentially making him eligible for the death penalty. The District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, has yet to decide on pursuing this penalty.
Reiner is slated to appear in court for a pretrial hearing in September, currently represented by public defender Kimberly Greene. The filing in June disclosed that aside from the main trust fund, smaller individual trusts were set up for the Reiner children. According to the document, Nick Reiner was entitled to half of his trust at 30 and the remainder at 35.
Despite the assets in the fund amounting to at least $1.5 million US, private lawyer Alan Jackson, initially retained to represent Reiner, exited the case after a short period. Reiner’s siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, initially agreed to cover his legal expenses but later changed their decision. Jackson expressed willingness to rejoin the case if funds were available for his retention.
The trustee overseeing the trust fund, Paul R. Kanin, and incoming trustee, Jodi Pais Montgomery, concurred in court documents that the uncertainties surrounding Reiner’s criminal case prevented the distribution of funds at that time. The trust fund cannot be accessed until it is confirmed how Probate Code Section 250 and related “slayer statute” principles might impact Reiner’s entitlement to the assets.
Nearly eight months post the tragic incident, many details remain undisclosed, including the motive. Jake Reiner, the eldest son, shared his ordeal in April, describing it as a “living nightmare” following his parents’ murder and the focus on allegations involving his brother. Rob Reiner, known for his extensive career in the film industry, directed popular films like “The Princess Bride,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Stand By Me.” He met Michele while working on the romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally” and altered the film’s ending to reflect their true love story. Their marriage lasted 36 years.