Federal Death Penalty Trial for UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Alleged Killer May Start by Year’s End
NEW YORK (AP) — The federal death penalty trial of Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, might commence before the year concludes. U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett indicated on Friday that the trial could begin as early as December, contingent upon whether the government pursues it as a capital case. Alternatively, the trial might be delayed until January 2027. If the death penalty is removed from consideration, proceedings could start as soon as October.
Judge Garnett stated that jury selection is expected to start around September 8. However, no specific trial date has been set for Mangione’s concurrent state murder case, which prosecutors initially anticipated would occur first. Garnett plans to issue a written schedule after reviewing her calendar and consulting with the court’s jury coordinator.
The judge is yet to decide on the defense’s motions to prevent the death penalty, dismiss certain charges, and exclude specific evidence. Another pretrial conference is slated for January 30.
Defense attorneys for Mangione argue that the arrest in December 2024 was sensationalized into a “Marvel movie” spectacle, prejudicing the case, especially given public statements advocating for the death penalty before formal charges were filed.
They are also requesting that Judge Garnett dismiss two out of four charges, including the murder by firearm charge, which they claim is legally flawed and forms the basis for the death penalty eligibility.
Federal prosecutors counter these claims, asserting that the murder charge is valid and that public attention does not constitute a constitutional issue. They suggest careful juror questioning can mitigate any bias from pretrial publicity.
Luigi Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to federal and state murder charges, could face life imprisonment if convicted. The hearing on Friday marked Mangione’s first appearance in Manhattan federal court since his April 25 arraignment.
Garnett is also reviewing a defense request similar to one in the state case, challenging the admissibility of items found in Mangione’s backpack at the time of his arrest. The defense claims the search was illegal as no warrant was obtained.
Among the items contested are a gun, alleged to match the weapon used in Thompson’s murder, and a notebook supposedly detailing Mangione’s intent to target a health insurance executive.
Prosecutors argue that the search was justified to ensure public safety and that the evidence would have been uncovered eventually regardless.
The assassination of Brian Thompson, 50, occurred on December 4, 2024, as he was en route to a Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor meeting. Surveillance footage captured a masked assailant shooting Thompson from behind. The ammunition recovered bore words like “delay,” “deny,” and “depose,” reflecting phrases used to describe insurers’ tactics to avoid claim payouts.
Mangione, 27, was apprehended five days later at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, roughly 230 miles west of Manhattan. Notably, he has succeeded in reducing his state case to some extent, with a judge dismissing state terrorism charges against him in September.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi had announced the federal pursuit of the death penalty, arguing it was appropriate for what she characterized as a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.” Mangione’s defense contends that Bondi’s actions, including social media and TV appearances, suggest the decision was politically motivated, potentially biasing the grand jury process.
The trial has attracted public interest, with supporters of Mangione gathering at the courthouse, some donning green and holding signs reading “Free Luigi” and “No Death For Luigi Mangione.”
