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
U.S. announces more military actions against ISIS: 'We will not relent'

U.S. Intensifies Military Operations Against ISIS, Asserts Unwavering Commitment

On Tuesday, the U.S. Central Command revealed that nearly 25 ISIS operatives…
Pope opens 2026 with plea for peace in countries bloodied by war, families wounded by violence

2026 Begins with Pope’s Urgent Call for Global Peace Amid Ongoing Conflicts and Family Strife

ROME — On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV ushered in 2026 with a…
Homeless drifter accused of killing Barnes & Noble Christmas shopper blamed ‘fight or flight’ outburst: report

Transient Individual Charged with Fatal Barnes & Noble Incident Cites ‘Fight or Flight’ Reaction: Report

Authorities have revealed chilling details about the man accused of a shocking…
Babies born in 2026: Chicago-area hospitals welcome first New Year's babies

Chicago Hospitals Celebrate Arrival of 2026’s First New Year’s Babies

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, Chicago-area hospitals celebrated the…
Kim Jong Un appears with daughter at mausoleum, fueling succession speculation

Kim Jong Un’s Daughter Joins Him at Mausoleum, Sparking Buzz About Future Leadership

In a notable public appearance, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was…
The road ahead for transit in New York City in 2026 includes fare hikes

New York City Transit 2026: Anticipated Fare Hikes and Future Plans for Commuters

New York City’s new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic…
Professor slams 'sneaky approach' to oppression-based teaching of American history: 'fantastically false'

Professor Criticizes Misleading Tactics in Teaching American History: Calls Them ‘Fantastically False

Wilfred Reilly, a professor and author, has raised concerns about how American…
5 big immigration changes taking effect across the US

Major Immigration Reforms: 5 Key Changes Reshaping U.S. Policy in 2023

In 2025, a series of immigration policy updates significantly altered the landscape…
Reports: Tommy Lee Jones' daughter found dead in San Francisco hotel

Tragic Loss: Tommy Lee Jones’ Daughter Discovered Deceased in San Francisco Hotel

A tragic incident unfolded in San Francisco on Thursday, where a 34-year-old…
2026 Tax Revolt Looms Over Globalist Spending

Anticipation Builds for 2026 Tax Protest in Response to Global Spending Policies

Outraged over funding for foreign wars and Somali fraud, a growing movement…
Maduro says Venezuela is 'ready' to make deal with US on drugs and oil after military strikes

Venezuela Poised for US Agreement on Oil and Drug Challenges Following Military Actions, Says Maduro

In a surprising turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed…
2026 elections: What to know about Illinois governor election, Chicago mayoral election and 2026 midterm elections

Essential Insights on Illinois’ 2026 Elections: Governor, Chicago Mayor, and Midterms Unveiled

CHICAGO (WLS) — As Illinois steps into the New Year, the state’s…