The United States Justice Department informed the relatives of the victims in a meeting that it is doubtful that Boeing executives will face criminal charges for the deadly accidents that claimed 346 lives in 2018 and 2019. This is because the statute of limitations has probably expired. Five years is the statute of limitations for filing federal criminal charges.

Midway through May, the Justice Department discovered that Boeing had broken the terms of a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA), which had protected the business from being charged with a crime related to the deadly disasters. As long as Boeing complied with the agreement's conditions during a three-year period ending on January 7, 2024, officials agreed to urge a judge to drop the accusation of conspiracy to mislead the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

However, two days prior to the agreement's expiration, an in-flight rupture revealed persistent problems with safety and quality. On January 5, an Alaska Airlines aircraft, a new Boeing 737 MAX 9, had a panel blow off. Boeing has until June 13th to explain why it disagrees with the department's conclusion that it broke the terms of the 2021 contract.

Authorities in Texas have until July 7 to notify a federal judge of their intentions. According to Boeing, it feels that it has "honoured the terms of the agreement" and is eager to reply to the Department of Justice.

A request for comment was not immediately answered by the Justice Department. The agency is debating whether to prosecute Boeing or to extend the DPA for an additional year. Authorities could also engage in a new DPA or reach a non-prosecution agreement that does not involve court supervision.

Prosecutors informed the relatives of the victims that although they have not discovered any proof of any felonies during that time, Boeing may still face prosecution for its actions throughout the three-year duration of the DPA, according to the person familiar with the conversation.

According to a source who spoke with Reuters, the relatives of the victims are talking about requesting authorities to request an increased penalty in the event that Boeing is found guilty. The individual stated that during the discussion, representatives from the Justice Department expressed their belief that they cannot establish charges of federal homicide or fraud involving aeroplane parts beyond a reasonable doubt.