LOS ANGELES — Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on December 14. Nick Reiner was arrested hours after his parents were killed and has since pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder.
Prosecutors indicated that the case is eligible for the death penalty, though the district attorney has not yet made a decision on whether to pursue it. Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner established a trust for Nick Reiner in 1993, which court filings indicate holds at least $1.5 million. The trust document specified that half of the funds were to be distributed when Nick Reiner turned 30, with the remaining half upon his 35th birthday. The trust document also contains no behavior clauses or sobriety benchmarks.
Nick Reiner alleges he did not receive the distribution scheduled for his 30th birthday. Attorney Paul R. Kanin has controlled the trust since February 2026. Court filings allege that Kanin justified withholding the trust funds by questioning Nick Reiner's mental competence.
Nick Reiner petitioned a Los Angeles County court for the immediate release of trust funds. He sought these funds to cover legal defense costs and basic jail necessities. Former prosecutor Alan Jackson was initially hired as Nick Reiner's defense attorney.
Nick Reiner's siblings, Jake and Romy, initially agreed to cover Jackson's legal fees but withdrew their financial support within weeks. Following this, Alan Jackson withdrew from representing Nick Reiner. Nick Reiner is currently represented by a public defender. A legal declaration filed by Jackson states his law firm will resume representation if Nick Reiner gains access to his trust funds.
Michele Singer Reiner worked as a photographer and producer. Rob Reiner directed films including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, and When Harry Met Sally. Nick Reiner co-wrote the film Being Charlie with his father.