CNMI Judiciary

A jealous confrontation inside a Garapan bar escalated into gunfire, threats, and a string of felony charges now facing Longgui “Andy” Yan, who was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail.

Prosecutors say a violent confrontation and a crash outside Paradise Hotel ended in a woman’s death Saturday morning—charges that brought 24‑year‑old Delvin Elieisar Rios into court this week to face a possible life sentence.

Citing expanded access to justice, new specialty courts, and major modernization efforts, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro has formally announced his bid for retention in the 2026 general election.

Citing Coast Guard reports, Homeland Security testimony, and a 12‑day multinational search, the Superior Court has declared four members of the M/V Mariana crew presumed dead, including the vessel’s captain, concluding that Sinlaku’s extreme conditions left no chance of survival.

Guam and CNMI residents may soon see more affordable legal services after both Supreme Courts signed matching reciprocity orders that open cross‑jurisdiction admission for attorneys in good standing.

The wife of MV Mariana captain Frederick Nosek Jr. has become the third family to petition the Superior Court for a declaration of death and authority to administer the estate of a missing crewman

CNMI Superior Court Presiding Judge Joseph N. Camacho has scheduled a June 30 evidentiary hearing on a petition filed last week by the mother of a missing MV Mariana crewman seeking a court declaration that her son is presumed dead.

Attorney General Edward Manibusan is urging senators to reject Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho’s nomination as presiding judge, citing what he calls a pattern of legal errors overturned by the Supreme Court.

A former CNMI Superior Court law clerk has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the judiciary and the Office of the Attorney General of pursuing a retaliatory criminal case against him after he reported workplace harassment. The suit follows the overturning of his 2024 sexual‑assault conviction and alleges coordinated misconduct by judicial and executive officials.

The Apatang-Mendiola administration has nominated three experienced jurists to fill CNMI Judiciary vacancies