Mangione, Robinson, Reiner and more: Major court cases set to dominate 2026
Share this @internewscast.com

As the calendar turns to 2026, the court docket continues to evolve rather than conclude, with high-profile cases poised to unfold in the new year.

For the accused and the public alike, many questions remain unresolved, and future court dates are still to be determined.

Here is the current status and anticipated developments:

Luigi Mangione makes facial expression in court

Luigi Mangione is set to appear in Manhattan Supreme Court for a suppression hearing as both sides gear up to finalize their arguments on Thursday, December 18, 2025. (Curtis Means for Daily Mail via Pool)

Luigi Mangione

The 27-year-old, accused of being a hired killer, reportedly followed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson to a Manhattan hotel, shooting him in the back outside the venue before escaping, sparking a five-day manhunt. He was eventually apprehended at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, approximately 280 miles from the original crime scene.

Mangione is facing charges in New York, Pennsylvania, and federal courts, yet trial dates for these cases have yet to be scheduled.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty.

Next hearing: Jan. 9 (Federal)

Tyler Robinson, charged with killing Charlie Kirk appears in court

Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)

Tyler Robinson

The 22-year-old from southern Utah is accused of fatally shooting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk from a sniper’s perch during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, 2025.

He’s due in court on Jan. 16, 2026, for a preliminary hearing, in which prosecutors are expected to call witnesses to the stand to establish probable cause before the case heads to trial.

The hearing gives Robinson’s defense team a chance to cross-examine those witnesses, and the proceeding could reveal previously undisclosed evidence in the case.

Robinson has not yet entered a plea.

Next hearing: Jan. 16

Rex Heuermann appears in court

Rex Heuermann appears in Judge Tim Mazze’s courtroom with his attorney Michael Brown at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead, New York on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (James Carbone/Newsday via Pool)

Rex Heuermann

The 62-year-old architect is awaiting trial on more than half a dozen murder charges in connection with numerous deaths, years apart, in one of the country’s most infamous serial killer cases.

According to prosecutors, the accused killer lived a quiet life in suburban Massapequa Park, New York, just east of New York City, walking to the train every day in a suit and carrying a briefcase.

However, authorities allege, he had a dark side — torturing and mutilating diminutive women, whose full or partial remains were found dumped along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach, or in the woods of eastern Long Island.

Some experts have predicted additional victims may be identified, resulting in more charges, before he ever heads to trial.

Heuermann currently faces 10 charges of first- and second-degree murder in connection with the slayings of seven women going back to 1993. He faces life in prison without parole if convicted.

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty.

Next hearing: Jan. 13

Michele Reiner, Rob Reiner, Nick Reiner

Rob Reiner (center), with his wife Michele Singer and son Nick Reiner, attends Teen Vogue’s Back-to-School Saturday kick-off event at The Grove on Aug. 9, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. (Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Teen Vogue)

Nick Reiner

The troubled son of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner is accused of killing both of his parents in a knife attack after a public spat at an exclusive Christmas party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.

Both Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were killed with multiple stab wounds, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office.

Nick Reiner could face the potential death penalty if convicted, although California has placed a moratorium on executions, and his attorneys are expected to present an insanity defense after reports that the 32-year-old has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Next hearing: Jan. 7

Murdaugh family poses in formal attire

Alex Murdaugh, right, is shown here with his family. (Fox News)

Alex Murdaugh

Convicted of gunning down his wife, Maggie, 52, and son, Paul, 22, the disgraced former South Carolina attorney has an appeal pending.

Murdaugh’s attorney, Dick Harpootlian, told Fox News Digital in late December that he is “cautiously optimistic” that a guilty plea from the court clerk involved in Murdaugh’s case could pave the way for a new trial.

Rebecca Hill, the former court clerk in Colleton County, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, perjury and other misconduct in connection with the trial that led to Murdaugh’s conviction.

The 57-year-old Murdaugh is serving life in prison without parole.

Next hearing: Feb. 11

JonBenét Ramsey was a 6-year-old child beauty queen whose 1996 murder inside her Boulder, Colorado, home shocked the nation. Nearly three decades later, her family says advances in DNA testing bring renewed hope that the mystery surrounding her death could finally be solved.

JonBenét Ramsey, found murdered in her Boulder home in 1996, may see her case revived as new DNA technology offers hope for answers. (Fox Nation)

Special mention: The unsolved murder of JonBenet Ramsey

The year 2026 marks three full decades since JonBenet’s mysterious murder a day after Christmas in 1996.

While no suspect has been identified, forensic investigators continue to make progress in other cold cases with investigative genetic genealogy and advances in DNA testing. In that regard, the murder in Boulder, Colorado, may be closer to being solved than ever before.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Kamala Harris refuses to rule out another White House run: ‘I haven’t decided’ 

Kamala Harris Keeps Future Presidential Bid Open: ‘Decision Still Pending

On Monday, former Vice President Kamala Harris hinted at the possibility of…
AI skills are in demand, but don't always command pay premiums

Unlocking AI Potential: Why High Demand Doesn’t Guarantee Top Dollar Salaries

As the demand for artificial intelligence expertise grows, employers are still hesitant…
Real-life ‘Heated Rivalry’ cottage goes up for rent on Airbnb

Experience the Iconic ‘Heated Rivalry’ Cottage: Now Available for Rent on Airbnb!

For fans eagerly awaiting more of the gripping drama between Shane Hollander…
A mob blocks a police cruiser at a street takeover as smoke bombs explode in the background.

Dramatic Footage Captures Masked Individuals Assaulting Police Vehicle with Officer Inside Amid Unauthorized Street Takeover

A dramatic video has emerged depicting masked individuals brazenly assaulting a police…
Washington state stabbing rampage leaves 5 dead, including suspect shot by deputies

Tragic Stabbing Rampage in Washington: 5 Dead, Including Suspect Shot by Deputies

Authorities are currently delving into a violent incident in Washington state where…
Reports: Person held for questioning in Nancy Guthrie case released without charges

New Clues in Nancy Guthrie Case: Suspect’s Possible Prior Visit Uncovered, Yet Key Photo Evidence Lacks Timestamp

The quest for answers surrounding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie took another…
Two people injured in Oceanway shooting, officials say

Oceanway Shooting Leaves Two Injured: Authorities Investigate Latest Incident

Two individuals were transported to the hospital following a shooting incident on…
The 5 worst LA intersections ranked

Top 5 Most Dangerous Intersections in Los Angeles Revealed: A Must-Read for Commuters

Welcome to Los Angeles, where standstill traffic, frequent accidents, and seemingly endless…
Never-before-seen photo of Lake Tahoe avalanche site revealed

Unveiled: Rare Image Captures Stunning Lake Tahoe Avalanche Site

A week has passed since the devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe, and…
Car involved in Cicero, Hillside investigation crashes into home at Cermak, Kostner in Lawndale, Chicago: police

Car Crashes Into Lawndale Home Amid Cicero and Hillside Investigation, Say Chicago Police

A dramatic incident unfolded on Chicago’s West Side when a car, under…
Trump blasts Democrats who refused to stand for protecting Americans over 'illegal aliens' at State of the Union 2026

Trump Criticizes Democrats for Not Standing Up for American Protection in State of the Union 2026 Address

President Trump criticized Democratic leaders who declined to support his assertion that…
Newark recording studio shooting leaves 2 dead, 2 injured

Tragic 911 Call: Connecticut Man Fatally Shoots Terminally Ill Wife Before Taking Own Life

A tragic incident unfolded in Connecticut as a husband and wife passed…