Maha Christopher
A man accused of murdering his parents has asked a California court to release funds from a trust established in his name so he can pay legal fees and cover personal expenses while in custody.
According to People, Nick Reiner, who is facing two counts of first degree murder over the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, filed a probate petition on June 8 seeking access to part of a trust fund reportedly worth more than $1.5 million.
In the court filing, Reiner maintained that he loved his parents and was devastated by their deaths, adding that the circumstances surrounding the killings were not the focus of the trust dispute.
The petition states that his parents created separate trusts for each of their children and that one half of Nick’s trust was supposed to be distributed to him when he turned 30, with the remainder due at age 35.
Reiner, who is 32 years old and has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, claims he has not received the portion of the trust that should have been released two years ago.
According to the filing, repeated attempts to obtain the funds have been met with various explanations from the trustee, including concerns about his ability to manage the money.
The petition argues that the trust distribution is mandatory and should not be withheld based on subjective concerns about how the funds might be used.
Reiner is seeking the release of the money to pay for legal representation and purchase basic necessities while incarcerated, including personal hygiene items.
His attorneys contend that there has been no legal or medical determination that he is incompetent and that the trustee lacks authority to withhold the funds on that basis.
The filing also notes that attorney Alan Jackson, who initially represented Reiner, withdrew from the case after expected funding failed to materialise. Reiner is currently represented by a public defender.
The murder case against Reiner remains ongoing.
