Nick Reiner’s legal team and lawyers representing a $1.5 million family trust met in an LA probate courtroom Friday to update a judge on settlement talks ahead of his murder trial. One of the requests on the table was surprisingly small: $300 for Nick’s commissary at Twin Towers Correctional Facility. The trustee’s lawyers argued the money matters for his quality of life. The judge declined to rule, saying he needed time to reflect on the request.
The bigger issue is access to the trust itself. Nick has reportedly pushed to tap his share but hasn’t been able to get even $5 for basic items, thanks to California’s Slayer Statute, which can prevent a defendant from inheriting from the person they’re accused of killing. He has pleaded not guilty to the murders of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, and is being held without bail, which keeps the presumption of innocence and the frozen money in an awkward standoff.
All parties agreed to attend mediation on December 16, and both sides return to court on March 17, 2027 regardless of how mediation goes. So the money question isn’t going away anytime soon. Do you think an accused person should have access to family trust funds before trial? Sound off in the comments.
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Local Lawton
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