Nick Reiner, accused of murdering filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, is asking a court to release money from a trust established by his parents so he can pay for his legal defense and personal expenses while awaiting trial.
Reiner, 32, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of his parents, who were found stabbed to death inside their Brentwood home on Dec. 14.
In a petition filed Monday, Reiner’s attorneys argued that trustees overseeing the trust have improperly refused to distribute funds that were intended for his benefit.
According to the filing, Reiner was scheduled to receive half of the trust’s assets when he turned 30 and the remainder when he turned 35. Reiner said he never received the first distribution and has been unable to access the money despite repeated requests.
“There were a commitment by Nick’s parents, in the most binding way the law of trusts allows, that these resources would belong to Nick, for his use and benefit,” Reiner’s attorneys said in the filing.
The filing claims the trustee, Paul Kanin, has offered what Reiner described as a “shifting series of excuses and justifications” for withholding the money, including questions about Reiner’s competency.
According to court documents, Reiner is asking the court to order the release of trust funds to cover legal fees, living expenses and other costs associated with his incarceration.
Attorney Says He Would Return To The Case
Reiner previously retained prominent defense attorney Alan Jackson, but Jackson withdrew from the case after roughly a month. Jackson said at the time he could not disclose the reason for his departure.
According to this week’s filing, Reiner’s siblings initially offered to help pay for Jackson’s representation but later withdrew that support.
Jackson said in the petition that “my firm stands ready, willing, and able to resume representation of Mr. Reiner” if funding becomes available.
Court filings indicate Reiner’s trust contains at least $1.5 million in assets, although the exact amount has not been disclosed.
Commissary Funds Also At Issue
The filing also alleges that Reiner has requested money for his jail commissary account but has been unable to obtain it.
Reiner said he asked the trustee to replenish his commissary account so he could purchase additional food, snacks and hygiene products while in custody, TMZ reports.
Reiner argued there is no justification for refusing to fund the account, noting that jail rules allow inmates to spend up to $300 per week on commissary purchases.
A hearing on Reiner’s request for access to the trust funds has not yet been scheduled.
Case Remains Pending
Authorities arrested Reiner on Dec. 14 after Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead inside their Los Angeles-area home.
Prosecutors allege Reiner killed both parents. A motive has not been publicly disclosed.
Reiner has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
During a preliminary hearing on April 29, it was revealed that autopsy reports for both victims had still not been finalized more than four months after their deaths.
A Hollywood Family Tragedy
Rob Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most recognizable filmmakers and performers.
He first gained national fame portraying Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the television sitcom All in the Family before building a celebrated directing career.
His directing credits include the films Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men, all of which are considered modern classics.
Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and longtime supporter of charitable causes. The couple had been married for decades and were well known in entertainment and philanthropic circles.
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