Handwritten court filing complicates timeline as January trial approaches
Summary
– Accused stalker personally requested a speedy federal trial
– Defense filed late notice indicating intent to pursue insanity defense
– Prosecutors argue the new motion threatens the scheduled January trial
The federal case involving the man accused of stalking WWE star Liv Morgan has entered a critical phase with new filings raising questions about timing and trial readiness.
Shawn Chan, who faces a federal charge of interstate domestic violence, submitted a handwritten letter directly to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida on December 20. In the letter, Chan asserted his constitutional right to a speedy trial, stated that he had never waived that right, and requested that the court deny any future continuances.
The letter was postmarked December 22 and formally entered into the court record on December 29. Its arrival came just days before Chan’s legal team filed a separate notice indicating plans to pursue an insanity defense, a move that prosecutors have strongly challenged.
Defense counsel submitted the filing on December 23 under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12.2(b), explaining that further evaluation of Chan’s mental health was necessary after reviewing discovery and meeting with their client. The defense retained forensic psychologist Dr. Michelle Ayala in early September. After a delayed evaluation, she examined Chan on October 24 and submitted a ten-page report on December 22.
According to the report, Dr. Ayala concluded that Chan suffers from an acute delusional disorder that led him to believe he was in a romantic relationship with the alleged victim. The report further states that Chan was legally insane at the time of the alleged offense.
Federal prosecutors have pushed back, arguing the insanity defense was raised well past the court’s pretrial motion deadline of May 12. With the trial scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026, prosecutors contend there is no realistic way to proceed as planned if the late defense strategy is allowed.
The defense has countered by claiming diligence, citing scheduling delays and noting that the court’s deadline passed before Chan was formally indicted. The court has ordered prosecutors to file a formal response by January 6.
Chan is accused of traveling from Ontario to Florida on May 26, the same day he received a passport, and telling customs officials he intended to stay at the WWE Performance Center. Four days later, he allegedly traveled to Liv Morgan’s residence, entered her backyard, attempted to access the home, and remained in the area for several hours.
Authorities allege Chan left behind a handwritten note identifying himself and claiming familiarity with Morgan through online interactions. WWE security reportedly identified him through surveillance footage, leading to his arrest by the FBI on June 3 and indictment later that month.
Chan has remained in custody since his arrest and faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted. The court must now decide whether the case will proceed on schedule or be delayed by the late-stage legal developments.
