Nick Reiner, accused of the murder of his parents, celebrated filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner, is pursuing owed funds from a trust set up by them. This money is crucial for his defense. Reiner’s civil attorneys claimed in a Los Angeles County court on Monday that trustees have unfairly withheld these funds.
The petition asserts that Reiner cherished his parents and is devastated by their deaths. It emphasizes that the facts surrounding their demise are not part of this legal battle over the trust funds. ‘Nick is presumed innocent, entitled to defend himself with resources lawfully his,’ the petition states.
The trust supposedly contains at least $1.5 million, though the exact amount is undisclosed. Reiner’s arrest followed the December 14th stabbing deaths of his parents in their Brentwood home. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Reiner initially retained attorney Alan Jackson, but Jackson withdrew, citing undisclosed reasons. Reiner’s siblings, Jake and Romy, stopped funding Jackson’s representation. Jackson’s declaration with the petition shows his firm is willing to resume representation if funds are available.
Rob and Michele Reiner had created separate trusts for their children, including Nick, specifying payouts at ages 30 and 35. Despite turning 30, Reiner never received his share. The trustee, Paul R. Kanin, has reportedly provided inconsistent reasons for withholding funds.
Reiner argues that he requires these funds for his legal defense and in jail. Paul R. Kanin has not responded to requests for comments on the matter.
Court proceedings for Reiner’s murder case are progressing slowly, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for September. The death penalty remains a consideration, but a decision has not yet been made.
Attorney Alan Jackson, upon leaving the case, expressed his belief in Reiner’s innocence under California law. Jake Reiner referred to the situation as ‘a living nightmare’ following his parents’ loss and his brother’s involvement.
Rob Reiner’s impactful career includes iconic films like “This is Spinal Tap” and “A Few Good Men.” He married Michele Singer during the making of “When Harry Met Sally,” and the couple was married for 36 years.