Several headline criminal cases are carrying into 2026 with pivotal hearings set in January and February. Key matters include the alleged sniper killing of Charlie Kirk, the Gilgo Beach murder charges against Heuermann, the stabbing deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, the shooting of a UnitedHealthcare CEO, and developments in the Alex Murdaugh appeal. These proceedings could surface new evidence and shape whether cases proceed to trial.
Major Criminal Cases Poised To Shape 2026: Key Hearings, Questions And What To Watch
Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Supreme Court for a suppression hearing as both sides prepare to wrap up arguments, Thursday, December 18, 2025.
As 2026 begins, several high-profile criminal cases remain unresolved and will carry over into the new year. Prosecutors, defense teams and victims’ families face important hearings that could shape whether and how these matters move toward trial. Below is a concise update on the most consequential cases and the next steps to watch.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting
A 27-year-old suspect is accused of stalking UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson to a Manhattan hotel, shooting him in the back outside the building, then fleeing. Authorities say the suspect was located and arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania—about 280 miles from the scene—after a five-day manhunt.
Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.
Charges: State charges in New York and Pennsylvania, plus federal counts. No trial dates have been set.
Luigi Mangione
Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges he faces. The case remains active and investigators continue to prepare evidence for trial.
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.
Next hearing: Federal appearance on Jan. 9, 2026.
Tyler Robinson — Alleged Assassin Of Charlie Kirk
Prosecutors allege a 22-year-old man from southern Utah fatally shot Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk from an elevated position during a public event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, 2025. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
Alex Murdaugh, right, is shown here with his family.
Next hearing: Preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 16, 2026, where prosecutors are expected to call witnesses to establish probable cause; the defense may cross-examine witnesses and potentially disclose new evidence.
Heuermann — Gilgo Beach Investigation
The 62-year-old suspect known as Heuermann is awaiting trial on multiple murder charges tied to a long-running investigation into remains found near Ocean Parkway and eastern Long Island. Prosecutors have charged him in connection with the deaths of several women dating back decades; he currently faces 10 counts of first- and second-degree murder related to seven victims and has pleaded not guilty.
JonBenét Ramsey, found murdered in her Boulder home in 1996, may see her case revived as new DNA technology offers hope for answers.
Next hearing: Scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026. Experts warn additional victims or charges could emerge before trial.
Nick Reiner — Deaths Of Rob And Michele Reiner
Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged in the fatal stabbing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, following a dispute at a private holiday event. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office reports both victims suffered multiple stab wounds. Defense attorneys are expected to pursue an insanity defense, citing reports that Nick Reiner has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. While California law includes a moratorium on executions, prosecutors have said a death-penalty exposure could exist in the case.
Next hearing: Jan. 7, 2026.
Alex Murdaugh Appeal And Related Developments
Alex Murdaugh, 57, is serving life in prison without parole after being convicted in the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul. He has an appeal pending. Rebecca Hill, a former Colleton County court clerk, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, perjury and other misconduct tied to Murdaugh’s trial; defense attorneys say that development could affect the conviction and potentially lead to a new trial.
Next hearing: Feb. 11, 2026.
Cold Cases And Forensic Advances
As 2026 marks three decades since the death of JonBenet Ramsey, forensic advances—particularly investigative genetic genealogy and improved DNA testing—continue to revive long-unsolved cases. Law enforcement officials say newer techniques have increased the chance of identifying suspects in cold cases, including ongoing probes such as the Boulder, Colorado investigation.
What To Watch: Several preliminary and federal hearings are set in January and February 2026 that may reveal new evidence, determine jurisdictional outcomes, or reset the path to trial in these headline cases.
