Ex-UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case: Alleged Killer Luigi Mangione Returns to NY Court After Months
Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old accused of killing former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is back in New York State Supreme Court for the first time in months, where a judge is expected to rule on several key defense motions.
Defense Pushes to Dismiss Murder Indictment
Mangione’s legal team is moving to dismiss the state murder indictment, claiming it violates the Constitution’s double jeopardy clause since he also faces federal charges for the same killing. His lawyers are also seeking to suppress evidence gathered during his arrest, as well as statements he made to police.
December 2024 Shooting
Prosecutors allege Mangione gunned down Thompson in Midtown Manhattan last December as the executive was walking to a hotel hosting UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference.
The killing sparked a nationwide manhunt. Investigators later said they discovered writings linked to Mangione and ammunition allegedly marked with words like “delay,” “deny,” and “depose.”
Tied to Political Violence Wave
The case has been connected to a rise in politically motivated attacks in the U.S., including the recent assassination of activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.
Mangione’s court appearance on Monday marks his first in state proceedings since February 2025. Supporters have regularly attended his hearings, often wearing green and carrying signs. Since his arrest, he has reportedly raised over $1.2 million online, with donations ranging from $5 to large contributions.
Possible Penalties
If convicted in state court, Mangione faces life in prison. In the separate federal case, prosecutors have already announced they will pursue the death penalty.
His defense argues the federal trial should go first, claiming a state conviction would make it impossible to seat an impartial jury in federal court.
Evidence and Terrorism Charges Disputed
The defense is also challenging the use of Mangione’s medical records and accuses state and federal prosecutors of colluding to obstruct his case. They have moved to dismiss terrorism charges, saying the law only applies to attacks on multiple civilians, not a single individual.
Prosecutors disagree, insisting the killing was a calculated political statement, citing Mangione’s alleged writings. His lawyers counter that the documents were private and leaked by law enforcement to frame the case as terrorism.
What Comes Next
The court will also review whether to suppress evidence found in Mangione’s backpack including a gun, ammunition, and papers as well as statements he made after his arrest in Pennsylvania.
Press coverage is expected to be heavy, with cameras allowed to capture Mangione’s arrival before the hearing begins.
