Trustees deny Nick Reiner access to $1.5 million trust under California slayer law

Trustees overseeing a $1.5 million irrevocable trust for Nick Reiner have blocked his request to access the funds, referencing California’s slayer statute that prevents a person who intentionally kills a decedent from benefiting from the decedent’s estate. The trustees, represented by lawyer Lauriann Wright, noted that the statute does not allow the inheritance to be used for criminal defense costs and that Reiner’s portion would be redirected to his sister Romy and brother Jake.

Although Reiner is charged with murdering his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty. His attorney, Anita P. Wu, argues that the statute cannot be applied without a conviction. The trust, established to pay half of its value to Reiner at age 30 and the remainder at 35, is irrevocable, and the trustees claim releasing the money now would be irreversible. Reiner, diagnosed with schizophrenia, faces a potential life sentence or the death penalty if convicted.