Prosecutors push back as January court date faces uncertainty
Summary
– Defense filed a late notice signaling a possible insanity defense
– Prosecutors argue the filing violates pre-trial deadlines
– The January 12, 2026, trial date is now at risk of delay
The federal stalking case involving WWE star Liv Morgan may no longer proceed on its current schedule following a late defense filing that prosecutors say should be disregarded. The development introduces new uncertainty just weeks before the planned trial date.
Shawn Chan, who is charged with one count of interstate domestic violence involving Morgan, is scheduled to stand trial on January 12, 2026, in federal court in Tampa, Florida. This week, Chan submitted a filing indicating his intent to introduce expert testimony related to his mental health.
The notice signals a potential insanity defense under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12.2(b). According to the filing, the defense plans to present expert evidence regarding a mental disease or defect that could bear on guilt.
Prosecutors objected strongly to the move, arguing that it was filed far past the May 12 deadline established by a pre-trial order. They stated that allowing the defense at this stage would make it impossible to maintain the January trial date.
The government further argued that additional psychological evaluations would be required, along with time for prosecutors to conduct their own examinations. This process would likely force a significant delay in the proceedings.
Chan was arrested after allegedly traveling from Canada to Florida in May and later appearing at Morgan’s home. Court records state he entered the property, remained for hours, and left behind a handwritten note identifying himself and claiming his visit was not threatening.
WWE security reportedly recognized Chan from surveillance footage and alerted authorities. The FBI arrested him on June 3, indicted him later that month, and he has remained in federal custody with multiple release requests denied.
An earlier delay in the case stemmed from a psychological evaluation diagnosing Chan with delusional disorder. With the court now weighing whether to allow the late defense filing, the future of the January 12 trial date remains uncertain.
