The long-running criminal case surrounding the fatal shooting of Ballet Arizona dancer Colleen Hoopes has been pushed back once again, with prosecutors confirming that the trial of her husband, Christopher Hoopes, is now unlikely to begin until 2027. The latest delay marks another major development in a case that has drawn widespread attention in Arizona and beyond since the tragic shooting in May 2022.
The prosecution says the case has become increasingly complex due to extensive expert testimony, ongoing evidence review, and changes in the defense team. Meanwhile, Christopher Hoopes continues to maintain his innocence after pleading not guilty to second-degree murder.
Trial Delayed Again as Prosecutors Say Case Won’t Be Ready Until 2027
Christopher Hoopes was originally expected to stand trial in July 2026 for the shooting death of his wife, Colleen Hoopes, a 25-year-old professional ballerina with Ballet Arizona. However, during a recent hearing in Maricopa County Superior Court, prosecutors informed Judge Monica Edelstein that the case could not realistically proceed on the scheduled timeline.
Deputy County Attorney Frankie Grimsman told the court that the prosecution expects additional months of preparation will be required before both sides are ready for trial. According to prosecutors, they do not believe the case can be tried before early 2027 because of the amount of expert testimony expected and the complexity of the evidence.
Judge Edelstein acknowledged the scope of the case, noting that the eventual trial could last as long as two months because both the prosecution and defense intend to present numerous expert witnesses and extensive evidence.
The 2022 Shooting That Shocked Arizona
Colleen Hoopes Was a Rising Ballet Arizona Performer
Colleen Hoopes was widely recognized as a talented ballet dancer who performed with Ballet Arizona. Friends, family members, and fellow dancers described her as passionate about dance and devoted to her career.
Her sudden death in May 2022 devastated Arizona’s performing arts community. Numerous tributes honored her talent, dedication, and vibrant personality following the tragedy.
Fatal Shooting Inside the Couple’s Tempe Home
According to investigators, the shooting occurred during the early morning hours at the couple’s home in Tempe, Arizona.
Police allege Christopher Hoopes shot his wife multiple times after waking during the night. Officers responding to the residence found Colleen suffering from gunshot wounds. She later died from her injuries.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office subsequently secured an indictment charging Christopher Hoopes with second-degree murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors have characterized the murder charge as a dangerous domestic violence offense.
Body Camera Footage Became Key Evidence
Christopher Hoopes Told Officers He Thought Someone Else Was in the House
One of the most closely watched pieces of evidence is police body camera footage recorded immediately after the shooting.
In the footage, Christopher Hoopes told responding officers that he had been asleep for several hours before suddenly waking in a panic.
According to the footage, he explained that he grabbed the handgun from his nightstand because he believed there was an intruder inside the home.
During the interaction with police, he admitted firing the weapon, stating that he later realized the person he had shot was his wife. He also told officers he believed he fired approximately three shots.
Investigators have treated these statements as significant evidence in the homicide case.
Defense Plans Rare “Involuntary Intoxication” Argument
Medication May Become Central Issue
Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the defense strategy involves a planned “involuntary intoxication” defense.
Court records indicate Christopher Hoopes may argue that prescription medications impaired his mental state to such an extent that he was unaware of his actions during the shooting.
To support that claim, the defense has retained several specialists, including:
Pharmacologist
The pharmacologist is expected to testify regarding the effects of medications Christopher Hoopes was reportedly taking at the time of the shooting and whether those drugs could have altered his perception or judgment.
Forensic Psychiatrist
A forensic psychiatrist may evaluate Christopher Hoopes’ mental condition and explain how prescription medications could have affected his awareness.
Additional Experts
Court filings also indicate the defense has worked with a ballistic scientist and a cellphone forensic expert as part of its preparation for trial. Prosecutors have stated they will likely retain their own experts to challenge the defense’s conclusions.
Change in Defense Attorneys Added More Delays
Another reason cited for the lengthy postponement is the change in Christopher Hoopes’ legal representation.
According to prosecutors, the appointment of new defense counsel required additional preparation time, contributing to repeated scheduling adjustments.
The combination of attorney changes, expert analysis, evidence review, and pretrial litigation has significantly extended the timeline before a jury can hear the case.
Earlier Plea Discussions Did Not Resolve the Case
Defense Previously Suggested a Resolution
In early 2025, court proceedings appeared to indicate the defense hoped to resolve the case through negotiations rather than trial.
At that time, defense attorneys informed the court they intended to seek a negotiated resolution, leading many observers to believe a plea agreement might be forthcoming.
However, those discussions ultimately failed to produce an agreement.
During the latest hearing, prosecutors informed the judge that no plea offer is currently being made, although they remain willing to negotiate after reviewing the defense experts’ reports.
Prosecutors Preparing Their Own Expert Witnesses
The prosecution has indicated that it expects to call its own medical, forensic, and scientific experts in response to the defense’s testimony.
Deputy County Attorney Frankie Grimsman explained that prosecutors first need to fully evaluate the defense’s expert reports before determining which rebuttal experts will be necessary.
This ongoing exchange of expert opinions has become one of the primary reasons the trial cannot begin as originally scheduled.
Judge Says Trial Could Last Up to Two Months
Judge Monica Edelstein acknowledged that the extensive witness lists and technical evidence could result in one of the longer criminal trials on the court’s calendar.
She indicated that both sides intend to present numerous witnesses and complicated forensic testimony, making a trial lasting nearly two months a realistic possibility.
Charges Christopher Hoopes Faces
Christopher Hoopes currently faces the following criminal charges:
Second-Degree Murder
Prosecutors allege he intentionally caused the death of his wife, Colleen Hoopes, during the May 2022 shooting.
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
A grand jury also indicted him on a charge involving the unlawful discharge of a firearm connected to the fatal incident.
Christopher Hoopes Continues to Plead Not Guilty
Christopher Hoopes has consistently maintained his innocence and has entered a plea of not guilty.
His legal team argues that the shooting was not a deliberate murder but instead occurred after he awoke suddenly, believed there was an intruder inside the home, and acted while allegedly affected by prescribed medications.
The prosecution disputes that explanation and continues to pursue a conviction for second-degree murder.
Community Continues Remembering Colleen Hoopes
More than four years after her death, Colleen Hoopes continues to be remembered throughout Arizona’s dance community.
Family members, friends, fellow performers, and Ballet Arizona supporters have continued honoring her memory through tributes and public remembrance. Many have expressed hope that the lengthy court proceedings will ultimately provide accountability and closure for her loved ones.
What Happens Next
With prosecutors expecting the trial to begin sometime in 2027, both sides will continue exchanging expert reports, conducting additional discovery, and preparing witnesses over the coming months.
No plea agreement is currently in place, and prosecutors have stated they are focused on fully evaluating the defense’s evidence before determining whether negotiations are appropriate.
Until then, Christopher Hoopes remains charged with second-degree murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm while awaiting what is expected to be a lengthy and closely watched jury trial.
