Nick Reiner, accused of killing his parents, Rob and Michele/Estelle Reiner, is asking a Los Angeles County court to order release of money from a trust his parents set up for him. Multiple outlets report that he is seeking access to $1.5 million, arguing the funds are necessary to pay for his criminal defense as the case proceeds. Reiner has pleaded not guilty and is reportedly trying to retain or rehire a prominent criminal defense attorney.
Several reports describe his position that the trustee is delaying or withholding the trust funds and that the trustee has offered explanations for not turning the money over. Rolling Stone characterizes those reasons as shifting excuses and justifications. CBS News and others state that Reiner is asking a judge to intervene during the ongoing proceedings to permit use of the trust funds.
While coverage varies slightly on phrasing and details about the trust and the timing of distributions, the central points are consistent: Reiner petitions the court for access to his $1.5 million trust to fund his legal defense against murder charges involving his parents.
