Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty if convicted, a court has ruled.
US District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal firearms charges against the 27-year-old that carried the possibility of capital punishment. He will still face stalking charges, which can bring a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Mangione was arrested days after he allegedly shot Thompson as the health insurance firm CEO walked into a New York City hotel on December 4, 2024.
After the ruling, Mangione's attorney Karen Agnifilo thanked the court for this incredible decision, adding, We're all very relieved... we look forward to fighting this case.
In her ruling, Judge Garnett stated that two of the four federal charges did not meet the federal statutory definition of a 'crime of violence' as matter of law. She emphasized that her decision was solely to foreclose the death penalty as an available punishment to be considered by the jury.
The judge's ruling was a setback for the justice department, which labeled Thompson's murder as a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination. The government has 30 days to challenge her decision.
During the trial, evidence may include items found in Mangione's backpack at the time of his arrest, including a gun, fake IDs, and notes detailing his grievances against the US healthcare system. Mangione also faces separate state charges, including second-degree murder.
Jury selection is scheduled for September 8, with opening statements planned for October 13, while state prosecutors aim to try him by July.
