10 High-Profile True Crime Trials to Watch in 2026
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The first half of 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental time in the true crime world, with several high-profile and complex cases finally heading to trial. From family annihilators and alleged black widows to conspiracies and shocking betrayals, the dockets are full. We're giving you a comprehensive briefing on the 10 cases you need to know about, breaking down the bizarre and tragic details of each.
The Trials Unfolding in Early 2026
Here are the cases we're following closely, from coast to coast.
1. NJ v. Paul Caneiro: The Colts Neck Mansion Murders
Case Summary: Paul Caneiro stands accused of the brutal 2018 murders of his brother Keith, sister-in-law Jennifer, and their two young children. The prosecution alleges the motive was financial, stemming from money missing from the brothers’ shared business. After the murders, the family's mansion was set on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Key Allegations: The prosecution's theory is that Paul set his own home on fire as a diversion before committing the quadruple murder. Evidence includes blood-stained clothing, a 9mm projectile matching the murder weapon, and the scent of human remains detected in his wife's vehicle.
Trial Status: The trial began in mid-January 2026 and is expected to last until mid-March.
2. UT v. Kevin Ellis: A Family Conspiracy to Kill
Case Summary: Kevin Ellis is on trial for the murder of his brother-in-law, Matthew Restelli. Prosecutors allege a full-blown family conspiracy involving Kevin, his sister Kathryn (the victim's wife), and their mother, Tracey Grist. They are accused of luring Matthew from California to Utah under the pretense of reconciliation, only to ambush and kill him to prevent a contentious divorce.
Key Allegations: Kathryn Restelli has already pleaded guilty and is testifying against her brother, detailing a four-phase plan to murder her husband and stage it as self-defense. Evidence includes the victim being shot three times in the back and a knife being planted in his non-dominant hand.
Trial Status: Kevin Ellis's trial began in January 2026. The mother, Tracey Grist, is scheduled for trial in April 2026.
3. MA v. Kelsey Fitzsimmons: The Officer-Involved Shooting
Case Summary: In a uniquely tragic and complex case, former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after being shot by a fellow officer in her own home. Officers were present to serve an abuse prevention order obtained by her fiancé, who was concerned for the safety of their infant child.
Key Allegations: The prosecution claims Fitzsimmons pointed a gun at an officer, prompting him to fire. The defense argues she was attempting suicide and posed no threat. The case hinges on whether she was a danger or a new mother in a mental health crisis.
Trial Status: The trial is scheduled for March 23, 2026.
4. MI v. Dale Warner: The Body in the Tank
Case Summary: After his wife, Dee Ann Warner, vanished in 2021, Dale Warner is now on trial for her murder. For three years, Dee was a missing person until her remains were found in a welded-shut ammonia tank on the Warner property, with her body described as being "entombed like a mummy."
Key Allegations: Dale was charged with murder in November 2023, even before his wife's body was found. He has pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal for second-degree murder. He also faces a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit from Dee's family.
Trial Status: Jury selection began on January 27, 2026, with opening statements scheduled for February 10.
5. UT v. Kouri Richins: The Grief-Author Murder Case
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Case Summary: Utah mother Kouri Richins is accused of murdering her husband, Eric, with a lethal dose of fentanyl in a Moscow Mule cocktail. In a bizarre twist, she later wrote a children's book about grief to help their sons cope with their father's death.
Key Allegations: Prosecutors allege a financial motive, as Kouri's business was failing while Eric's estate was worth millions. They claim she had tried to poison him before and that Eric had told friends he believed his wife was trying to kill him.
Trial Status: The trial is scheduled to begin on February 23, 2026.
6. WA v. Sarah Clasen: The Trooper's DUI Homicide
Case Summary: Washington State Patrol Trooper Sarah Clasen is charged with vehicular homicide for killing 20-year-old motorcyclist Jhoser Vega Sanchez in a crash on March 1, 2025. Clasen was off-duty at the time.
Key Allegations: The investigation revealed Clasen had allegedly been drinking for four hours before the crash. A blood draw taken six hours later showed a BAC of 0.17%, more than twice the legal limit. She has been on paid administrative leave since the incident.
Trial Status: The trial is set for May 18, 2026.
7. AZ v. Laura Owens: The Bachelor & The Fake Pregnancies
Case Summary: Laura Owens is facing 14 felony charges for allegedly faking pregnancies to manipulate and extort multiple men, including Clayton Echard, former star of The Bachelor.
Key Allegations: Owens is accused of filing a fraudulent paternity lawsuit against Echard, complete with falsified documents. After a judge found no evidence of pregnancy, the case was referred for criminal investigation. Another victim from 2021 has come forward with a nearly identical story, and one man claims she has been falsely accusing him of fathering twins for a decade.
Trial Status: The trial is scheduled for July 29, 2026.
8. CA v. Larry Millete: The No-Body Murder Trial
Case Summary: Five years after his wife, Maya Millete, disappeared, Larry Millete is finally standing trial for her murder. This is a high-profile "no-body" case, as Maya's remains have never been found despite extensive search efforts.
Key Allegations: Maya was last seen on the same day she contacted a divorce attorney. The investigation uncovered Larry's erratic behavior, his use of "spellcasters" to keep his wife from leaving, and an audio recording of eight loud bangs near their home on the night she vanished. He has been in custody since October 2021.
Trial Status: The trial is set for March 9, 2026.
9. VA v. Brendan Banfield: The Au Pair Affair Murder
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Case Summary: Brendan Banfield is on trial for the murders of his wife, Christine Banfield, and a man named Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors allege Brendan and his au pair, Juliana, with whom he was having an affair, conspired to kill Christine and frame Joseph for the crime.
Key Allegations: The initial story was that Brendan shot Joseph in self-defense after finding him stabbing Christine. However, Juliana later cooperated with prosecutors, claiming Brendan staged the entire scene, killed both victims, and even used his wife's blood to frame Joseph.
Trial Status: The trial is currently underway.
10. FL v. Courtney Clenney: The OnlyFans Model Murder Case
Case Summary: OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney is accused of murdering her boyfriend, Christian Obumseli, in their luxury Miami apartment in April 2022. The case is a volatile mix of a tumultuous relationship and shocking allegations of domestic violence.
Key Allegations: The defense claims self-defense, alleging Courtney was the victim of an abusive relationship. The prosecution paints a different picture, arguing that Courtney was the aggressor and stabbed Christian to death in a fit of rage.
Trial Status: A full episode on this case is coming next week!
Have a case you want us to cover? Send your suggestions to momsandmysteries@gmail.com.
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