Defense Withdraws Psychiatric Claim in Mangrove Murder Trial

Attorneys for Luigi Mangione have filed documents withdrawing the psychiatric defense they had planned to use in the state murder trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. The move follows a recent ruling by Judge Gregory Carro, who had earlier indicated that the defense would argue Mangione acted under an extreme emotional disturbance. Mangione, who faces eight felony counts including second-degree murder, also confronts federal stalking charges and has entered a not-guilty plea. The trial is scheduled to begin in September.

Prosecutors intend to introduce a diary seized during Mangione's arrest that outlines a plan to kill the CEO and includes language describing a “rebellion against the deadly, greed-fueled health insurance cartel.” The defense sought to suppress the diary, claiming it was obtained in an illegal, warrantless search, but Judge Carro ruled the seizure valid and kept related records sealed. Both the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Mangione’s lawyers declined to comment on the withdrawal.