The key facts

  • Judge Alvin Hellerstein died on October 28, 2026, at the age of 92; the cause of death was not disclosed
  • He was presiding over the case of Nicolás Maduro, arrested by the United States on January 3, 2026
  • The court hearing is scheduled for June 1, 2027; the consequences of the judge's death for the case are unknown

Death of the judge

Federal judge of the Southern District of New York Alvin Hellerstein died on October 28, 2026, at the age of 92. His death was reported by the newspaper The New York Times citing a court spokesperson; according to the newspaper, the judge died on Wednesday morning. The cause of death was not disclosed.

The case the judge was handling

Hellerstein was presiding over the case of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who, according to Gazeta.Ru, was arrested along with his wife on January 3, 2026 — the same day the United States launched strikes on Venezuela, — and forcibly taken to the United States. There, Maduro is to stand trial for leading the Cartel de los Soles drug cartel and other crimes.

What happens next with the case

According to The New York Times, it is not yet known how Hellerstein's death will affect the proceedings against Maduro. The next court hearing is scheduled for June 1, 2027. Earlier, in February 2026, the US expenses for the operation to capture Maduro were also tallied.