A judge ruled on Friday that federal prosecutors cannot pursue the death penalty for Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, thwarting the Trump administration’s efforts to have him executed for what was described as a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.” U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed a federal murder charge against Mangione, stating that it was flawed and should not make the death penalty an option for the jury to consider. The judge also dismissed a gun charge but upheld stalking charges that could lead to a maximum sentence of life in prison. To seek the death penalty, prosecutors needed to prove that Mangione committed the murder while engaging in another violent crime, which stalking did not meet the criteria, according to Garnett.
Despite the dismissal of certain charges, the judge ruled that evidence collected from Mangione’s backpack during his arrest, including a handgun and a notebook with references to harming an insurance executive, could be used by prosecutors. Mangione’s defense had argued against the admissibility of these items, alleging an illegal search due to the lack of a warrant at the time of the police action.
Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty, appeared composed during a hearing following the judge’s decision. While the prosecution has the option to appeal, they expressed readiness to proceed to trial. Jury selection for the federal case is set to commence on September 8, with opening statements and testimony scheduled to begin on October 13. The state trial date is yet to be determined.
Thompson, aged 50, was fatally shot on December 4, 2024, while heading to a hotel in midtown Manhattan for an investor conference. Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing a masked assailant shooting him from behind. The ammunition used in the crime had words like “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” inscribed on it, reminiscent of tactics used by insurers to avoid claim payments.
Mangione, a graduate from an affluent Maryland family, was apprehended five days later at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The decision to pursue the death penalty against him was made by Attorney General Pam Bondi, aligning with Trump’s campaign promise to enforce capital punishment rigorously.
Judge Garnett’s ruling came after a series of legal arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The defense contended that Bondi’s directive to seek the death penalty was politically motivated and violated established Justice Department procedures. Prosecutors, on the other hand, maintained that the charges justifying the death penalty were legally valid and that pretrial publicity did not compromise the case.
The courtroom proceedings have been closely watched, with supporters of Mangione demonstrating outside the federal court in Manhattan. The case has raised significant debate over the use of the death penalty and the legal procedures surrounding such high-profile trials.