Accused of killing his parents, son of filmmaker Rob Reiner claims access to the family's million-dollar fund

Director Rob Reiner, his wife Michele Singer and their son Nick Reiner at the Teen Vogue launch event in 2013
Michael Buckner / Getty Images via AFP
Nick Reiner, son of American film director Rob Reiner, accused of killing his own parents, went to court to gain access to a trust fund of US$1.5 million (about R$7.76 million) and use the resources to pay for his defense, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles.
Reiner, 32, faces two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his father, Rob Reiner, 78, and his mother, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 70. The case caused major repercussions in Hollywood.
The couple's bodies were found inside the family home, in an upscale neighborhood of Los Angeles, in December last year.
According to a petition from 136 pages presented this Monday, Nick should have started receiving funds from the trust fund two years ago. As he did not have access to the money, according to his lawyers, he was also unable to afford the high defense costs after his arrest.
"Nick loved his parents and is devastated by their deaths", states the document. "But the facts about what did and didn't happen to them are not at issue in this trust fund litigation."
Initially, Reiner was represented by attorney Alan Jackson, known for working on celebrity cases, but the attorney left the case shortly after.
Investigation concludes that filmmaker Rob Reiner's son killed his parents
The trust fund is part of an estate plan for the Reiners for their three children, established in 1993.
According to the petition, Nick should receive half of the money from the fund in his name upon turning 30, and the other half five years later. His lawyers argue that the distributions are mandatory and unconditional.
Reiner, who has a history of drug addiction, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges. He remains in prison and his case is expected to be reviewed again in September. He could be sentenced to life in prison without parole and even the death penalty.
Rob Reiner, Michele Singer, Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner, Maria Gilfillan and Jake Reiner at the launch of 'This is Spinal Tap 2'
Aude Guerrucci/Reuters
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Source: G1