In New Court Filings, Nick Reiner Pushes for Release of His Trust Money to Fund Criminal Trial

Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old screenwriter charged with the murder of his parents, has argued in new civil court documents that his trust money should not be subject to the "Slayer Statute." This California law prohibits someone from inheriting from a person they have killed.

Reiner's team contends that a significant portion of the trust's funds actually came from his grandfather, Hollywood legend Carl Reiner, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 98 from natural causes. They argue that since Reiner is not accused of causing his grandfather's death, the "Slayer Statute" does not apply to that portion of the inheritance.

The trust money is set to be distributed to Reiner on two fixed dates: one-half at the age of 30 and the remaining balance at 35. Reiner turned 30 on September 14, 2023, and the filing states that at least $558,000 was due and payable to him that day. His parents were alive at that time, and the "Slayer Statute" has no basis for withholding this money.

Reiner's legal team further emphasizes that this case is not about the larger Reiner Family Trusts, which hold the assets of his parents' estate and inheritances left to their children. Instead, they argue that the case centers around the trust money that was specifically set aside for him alone and made irrevocable.

They also point out that Reiner has not been found guilty in a court of law and that he faces potential life imprisonment without parole if convicted. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, however, has decided not to pursue the death penalty in this case, stating that it does not diminish the severity of the crimes.