Prosecutors Push for July Trial in State Case Against Luigi Mangione
NEW YORK (AP) — On Wednesday, Manhattan prosecutors requested that a state murder trial for Luigi Mangione, accused in the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, commence in July. This push comes just two months before jury selection is set to begin for Mangione’s federal death penalty case.
Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann addressed a letter to Judge Gregory Carro, advocating for the New York trial to start on July 1. Seidemann emphasized that delaying the state trial until after the federal proceedings could unfairly prejudice the state’s interests.
Currently, the state trial date remains unset, with the next court hearing scheduled for May. During this hearing, Judge Carro is expected to rule on a defense motion aimed at excluding evidence that prosecutors believe ties Mangione to the crime.
The scheduling conflict arose after U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett set jury selection in the federal case for September 8. The trial could proceed in October or be postponed to January, contingent on whether the death penalty is pursued by prosecutors.
Judge Garnett noted that if the death penalty remains a factor, the federal trial’s second phase, including opening statements and witness testimonies, will commence on January 11, 2027. If excluded, this phase will begin on October 13.
Mangione’s defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, criticized the request for a state trial in July as “unrealistic,” citing the need for extensive preparation for the federal case through the end of the year.
Federal prosecutors have chosen not to comment on the matter.
In his communication to Judge Carro, Seidemann highlighted that state prosecutors were involved from the outset of the investigation, whereas federal prosecutors entered the scene approximately two weeks after Thompson’s demise. They proceeded to press charges against Mangione a day after his state court indictment.
Seidemann articulated in his letter, “It is entirely natural then that the state case would proceed to trial prior to the federal case,” referencing legal precedents. He added that the state possesses a “overriding interest in trying this defendant for the cold-blooded execution of Brian Thompson.”
At the time of Mangione’s arrest, Manhattan’s chief federal prosecutor indicated an expectation that the state case would precede the federal proceedings.
The scheduling issue extends beyond mere timing. Under New York’s double jeopardy laws, the district attorney’s office could be prohibited from prosecuting Mangione on state murder charges if his federal trial occurs first, particularly if a jury has been sworn in or if there is a guilty plea.
Mangione is scheduled for a federal court appearance on Friday, where Judge Garnett will soon decide on whether it remains a capital case and evaluate the admissibility of certain evidence initially debated in state court.
Key pieces of evidence include a 9 mm handgun allegedly used in Thompson’s killing and a notebook wherein Mangione purportedly outlined plans to “wack” a health insurance executive.
Mangione has entered a not guilty plea to both federal and state murder charges, with the state charges carrying a potential life sentence. He is set to return to federal court for a conference on Friday.
Seidemann assured Judge Carro that the district attorney’s office stands ready for trial, asserting that any lingering pretrial issues could be resolved before July.
Judge Carro, following a three-week hearing in December on the defense’s evidence exclusion request, stated he would withhold a ruling until May 18, though he noted this timeline is subject to change.
Brian Thompson, aged 50, was fatally shot on December 4, 2024, while on his way to a Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor meeting. Surveillance footage captured a masked assailant attacking him from behind. The ammunition used had “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” inscribed on it, mirroring an expression describing insurer tactics to avoid claim payouts.
Luigi Mangione, a 27-year-old Ivy League graduate from a wealthy Maryland background, was apprehended five days later at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, approximately 230 miles west of Manhattan.
In September, Judge Carro dismissed state terrorism charges against Mangione, but upheld the rest of the case, including an intentional murder charge.
In the federal proceedings, Mangione’s legal team seeks to prohibit prosecutors from pursuing the death penalty. They argue that authorities prejudiced their client by sensationalizing his arrest and publicly expressing a desire for his execution.
The defense also challenges the legality of a search conducted by Altoona police on Mangione’s backpack, asserting it was done without an obtained warrant. Prosecutors argue the search was lawful, conducted according to protocols that require a prompt search for potential threats, with a warrant obtained subsequently.
