Boeing is suspending production of the 737 Max in January, as the troubled jet's grounding drags into 2020

Boeing will halt production of its 737 Max narrow-body jet in January, escalating the company's crisis as it prepares to end a year marked by accidents, scandals, and a plummeting public perception.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the halts, citing a person briefed on the matter.

The prospect of assembly being halted was raised over the weekend. Boeing first suggested in July that it could slow or suspend production if the jet remained grounded going into 2020.

The jet has been grounded world-wide since the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, the second of two fatal 737 Max crashes in five months.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.