Photo Credit: Getty Images
A federal judge has ruled that Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted in the killing of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, removing the most severe punishment from the government's case.
US District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed federal firearms charges against the 27-year-old defendant, finding they did not meet the legal definition required to support capital punishment under federal law.
The judge allowed stalking-related charges to proceed, however, which carry a possible sentence of life in prison. Garnett said her decision was narrowly focused on foreclosing the death penalty rather than dismissing the broader prosecution.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all federal and state charges. He was arrested days after prosecutors say he shot Thompson from behind outside a New York City hotel in December 2024.
Jury selection in the federal case is scheduled for September, with opening statements expected in October. Separately, New York state prosecutors have signaled they intend to bring Mangione to trial sooner.
In a partial win for the government, Garnett ruled that evidence seized from Mangione's backpack at the time of his arrest could be presented at trial, rejecting defense claims that the search was unlawful.
Prosecutors say the backpack contained a firearm, fake identification, and writings outlining alleged grievances against the US healthcare system. Defense lawyers argued the items should be excluded, but the court disagreed.
Thompson, a father of two, was killed while heading to UnitedHealth Group's annual investor conference. The case has drawn national attention, with some critics framing Mangione as a symbol of anger toward insurers.
Federal prosecutors have been given time to consider an appeal of the ruling. For now, Mangione remains jailed as he faces the prospect of life imprisonment if convicted on the remaining charges.
