As Texas ushers in 2026, the state’s courtrooms are poised to witness a series of high-profile trials that have garnered significant national attention. These cases, which range from the tragic aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting to a widely publicized assault at what was dubbed the “Wedding of the Century,” highlight the complex intersection of crime, celebrity, and public interest that defines the current legal landscape in Texas.
The following are the key trials to monitor throughout the year:
Uvalde Accountability: The Trial of Adrian Gonzales
Commencing on January 5, 2026, the trial of Adrian Gonzales, a former Uvalde CISD police officer, will address the contentious police response to the Robb Elementary School tragedy that occurred nearly four years prior. Gonzales faces 29 felony counts related to allegations of endangering children. The proceedings have been relocated from Uvalde to ensure a fair jury selection. Prosecutors contend that Gonzales did not adhere to established active shooter protocols, despite being among the first responders. Additionally, former Uvalde CISD Police Chief Pete Arredondo faces an indictment and has recently sought to invalidate the charges against him, making his anticipated trial a significant event in the 2026 legal calendar.
The “Wedding of the Century” Assault: Jacob LaGrone
Jacob LaGrone, known for his extravagant $59 million wedding that captured viral attention on TikTok, is set to face trial for three counts of aggravated assault against public servants, with proceedings beginning on January 8, 2026. The charges stem from an incident in which LaGrone allegedly fired at police officers in Westworth Village in 2023. A conviction could lead to a life sentence, and LaGrone’s decision to reject a 25-year plea deal has heightened the stakes of this trial.
Dallas Rap Feud: Yella Beezy’s Murder-for-Hire Trial
On February 2, 2026, Dallas rapper Markies Conway, better known as Yella Beezy, will stand trial for capital murder. The prosecution alleges that Conway orchestrated the murder of fellow rapper Mo3 (Melvin Noble), who was fatally shot in a targeted attack on Interstate 35 in 2020. Authorities claim that Conway paid Kewon White to execute the crime. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for January 9, with the trial proceedings officially commencing in early February.
The Savanah Soto & Matthew Guerra Murder Case: Christopher Preciado
In a case that gained national traction, Christopher Preciado is facing capital murder charges for the shooting deaths of pregnant 18-year-old Savanah Soto and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra. Their disappearance just days before Soto’s scheduled induction in 2023 sparked widespread concern. Preciado’s parents are also implicated, facing charges for allegedly assisting in concealing the couple’s bodies. The trial is set for February 2, 2026.
The Suzanne Simpson Murder: Brad Simpson
The mysterious disappearance of luxury real estate agent Suzanne Simpson in October 2024 has captivated public interest. Her husband, Brad Simpson, is charged with her murder despite the absence of her remains. The case’s notoriety has been fueled by surveillance footage purportedly showing him with suspicious materials shortly after her disappearance. The trial is slated for February 13, 2026.
The Death of Athena Strand: Tanner Horner
Tanner Horner, a former FedEx driver, faces a capital murder charge in connection with the tragic kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand in 2022. Set to begin on April 7, 2026, this emotionally charged case will attract national media attention, especially as prosecutors pursue the death penalty. A recent court ruling denied a motion from Horner’s defense to delay the trial.
Frisco Track-Meet Stabbing: Karmelo Anthony
In Collin County, Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial, concerning the fatal stabbing of high school track star Austin Metcalf, is scheduled for June 1, 2026. The defense intends to argue self-defense, while the case remains under a strict gag order due to extensive media coverage surrounding the incident.
Additional notable cases in 2026 include the pre-trial conference for Patrick Xavier Clark, accused of murdering Migos rapper Takeoff, and the proceedings related to the deaths of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray and actor Jonathan Joss. Furthermore, the ongoing issues surrounding the case against Adan Yanez Porras highlight the challenges faced by prosecutors when key witnesses are deported.
