Court Denies Murder Suspect Access to Parents' $1.5M Trust for Legal Defense
Nick Reiner, charged with killing his parents Rob and Michele Reiner, sought funds from their trust to rehire attorney Alan Jackson, but a fiduciary opposed the move under California's slayer statute, which bars killers from inheriting. The fiduciary argued no exception exists for criminal defense costs and that the money should go to Reiner's siblings. Reiner's lawyer countered that the statute requires a conviction, not a mere accusation, and that his client is presumed innocent.
Reiner's petition specified that trust distributions were scheduled for his 30th birthday in 2023 and his 35th birthday, but he claims he received nothing at the first milestone. His legal team maintains the slayer statute only applies after a formal conviction, not while he awaits trial.
The opposing fiduciary contends the funds must instead pass to Reiner's siblings, Romy and Jake, and warns that releasing the money now would be an irreversible step. Reiner remains held in custody, with his next court date scheduled for September 15.
This legal battle could influence how courts handle asset access for defendants facing serious charges, potentially setting a precedent for similar probate disputes. It may affect accused individuals who rely on family trusts to fund robust legal defenses, while also shaping how families and fiduciaries protect estates from potential wrongful claims. The outcome could highlight the tension between the presumption of innocence and the need to safeguard inheritance rights for surviving relatives.