Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein Dies at 92, Leaving Maduro Case Awaiting Reassignment

Alvin K. Hellerstein was appointed to the federal bench in 1998, according to The New York Times. His work in Manhattan brought him cases involving some of the most prominent figures and events in recent American history.

The Associated Press reported that he presided over cases involving President Donald Trump, former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the September 11 attacks during nearly three decades on the bench.

At the time of his death, Hellerstein was overseeing the criminal case against Maduro. The Hill described him as the judge set to oversee the trial of the deposed Venezuelan leader.

The proceedings in New York also involved Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, according to ABC, which cited the federal courts for the Southern District of New York.

Hellerstein died on the morning of October 28, 2026, a court spokesman told The New York Times. He was 92.

The Maduro case now requires a new judge. ABCNews.com reported that the court said a replacement would be appointed to handle it.

The supplied coverage does not identify a successor or give a timetable for the appointment. It also does not establish whether the change will affect the trial schedule.

The next concrete step is the court's appointment of a judge to take over the Maduro proceedings, as reported by ABCNews.com. Any effect on the handling or timing of the case remains an open question.