Nick Reiner Loses $1.5M Trust Over Slayer Statute, Murder Trial

Nick Reiner, the 32‑year‑old son of late Brentwood parents Rob and Michele Reiner, has been blocked from accessing a $1.5 million trust that was meant to support his legal fees and living expenses.

Trustees invoked California’s “slayer statute,” a law that bars individuals who intentionally kill a decedent from inheriting property under a will or trust. The decision comes amid Reiner’s pending murder trial for the deaths of his parents, who were found stabbed to death in their home last December.

The trustees’ ruling was revealed in court documents filed this week. Lauriann Wright, attorney for professional fiduciary Jodi Pais Montgomery, argued that no exception exists to allow a killer’s inheritance to cover criminal defense costs.

Wright also noted that, if the statute applies, Reiner’s portion would be transferred to his siblings Romy and Jake Reiner.

Reiner’s legal team has rejected the claim. In a statement to the Times, attorney Anita P. Wu said the slayer statute requires a determination—not merely an accusation—and that “Nick is presumed innocent and has been convicted of nothing.” Reiner remains in prison awaiting trial.

## Background and Context

Rob and Michele Reiner, aged 78 and 70, were discovered dead in their Brentwood, California home last December. Their death certificates state they died within minutes of receiving multiple sharp‑force injuries from a knife inflicted by another person.

The younger son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with two counts of first‑degree murder. In February, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The alleged crime carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Nick has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and claims that the trust’s irrevocable status should not allow trustees to deny him access even if he is deemed incompetent. , the trust was structured to pay half of its value when he turned 30 in 2023 and the remaining half when he turned 35 in 2028.

## Legal Arguments and Trustee Decision

California’s “slayer statute” prevents a person who feloniously and intentionally kills a decedent from accessing property, interest, or benefit under the decedent’s will or trust. Lauriann Wright cited Justia Law to support her claim that the statute bars Reiner from inheriting the $1.5 million fund.

She also asserted that no statutory exception permits a killer’s inheritance to be used for criminal defense costs.

Wright warned that releasing funds to Reiner now would be irreversible, noting that “under the slayer statute, Nick’s portion of his trust fund would be transferred to his sister and brother, Romy and Jake Reiner.” Her position is based on the current legal framework and Reiner has not yet been found guilty.

Reiner’s attorney countered that the law requires a determination of guilt, not merely an accusation. “Nick is presumed innocent and has been convicted of nothing,” Wu said. She pointed out that Reiner’s plea of not guilty and his lack of any conviction mean the slayer statute does not yet apply.

## Current Status and Next Steps

The trustees’ decision was made after reviewing the court documents and applying the slayer statute as it stands in California law. Reiner remains incarcerated while awaiting trial, with his lawyer arguing that access to the trust is necessary to fund his legal defense.

The case is still pending, and no further court action has been announced.

If the lawsuit proceeds, a determination of guilt or innocence will likely influence whether the trust can be released to Nick. Until then, the $1.5 million remains under trustee control, with potential transfer to Reiner’s siblings if the statute is upheld.

The outcome will hinge on the trial’s final verdict and any potential appeals that may challenge the trustees’ interpretation of California’s slayer law.