Judge Dismisses Death Penalty Charges Against Luigi Mangione in CEO's Killing

A federal judge has ruled that prosecutors cannot seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed a federal murder charge, citing technical flaws, and determined that the remaining stalking charges do not qualify as a "crime of violence" necessary to pursue capital punishment.

Despite this, Judge Garnett allowed the use of evidence obtained during Mangione's arrest, including a 9mm handgun and a notebook allegedly detailing his intent to target an insurance executive. Mangione's defense had argued that the search was illegal due to the absence of a warrant.

Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to both federal and state charges related to Thompson's death. Jury selection for the federal trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, with opening statements expected on October 13. The state trial date has not yet been set, though prosecutors are advocating for a July 1 start.

Thompson, 50, was fatally shot on December 4, 2024, as he walked to a midtown Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Group's annual investor conference. Surveillance footage captured a masked gunman shooting him from behind. Mangione was arrested five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

The Trump administration had directed prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case, marking the first such federal pursuit during President Donald Trump's second term. Judge Garnett, a Biden appointee, acknowledged that her decision might seem counterintuitive but emphasized her commitment to applying Supreme Court directives to the charges presented.