Luigi Mangione, accused of being an assassin, is set to appear in a Manhattan courtroom on Friday. His defense team is requesting the dismissal of the most serious federal charges against him, which could have the death penalty as a consequence.
The 27-year-old is facing a federal hearing where a judge may decide on a defense motion aimed at dropping two of the four federal charges and whether prosecutors can present crucial evidence discovered in his backpack during his arrest.
Mangione’s lawyers contend that prosecutors have not clearly established the necessary “crime of violence” that underpins the primary murder charge involving a firearm, which is the only charge that could lead to the death penalty.
Additionally, Mangione seeks to have another firearms charge dismissed, related to the alleged fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on the streets of Manhattan.
Prosecutors maintain that the assault charge linked to murder with a firearm involves stalking and that he is also facing a stalking charge. Legal experts have noted that if the judge decides the stalking was non-violent, it could lead to the top charge being dropped.
The judge will also consider whether prosecutors can present certain critical evidence collected during Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania days after the incident.
This evidence includes a 9mm handgun and a notebook where Mangione allegedly outlined his plan to “hook up” with Thompson, which he claimed was motivated by the CEO’s criticism of the healthcare company.
The defense has requested that the judge exclude this evidence, arguing it was obtained without a proper warrant.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both federal and state charges related to the cold-blooded shooting of Thompson on December 4, 2024, near UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference in Midtown.
Recently, a federal judge set a date in September for jury selection in this high-profile case, with opening statements scheduled for October 13th.
If Mangione is ultimately facing the death penalty, those opening statements would be pushed to January 11, 2027, according to CBS News.
No trial date for the state case has yet been established.
