Overview
A New York state judge has set a June 8 trial date for the man accused of killing a senior executive at one of the nations largest health insurers. The defendant, Luigi Mangione, 27, appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on Friday where Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro scheduled the state-level murder trial.
Allegations and plea
Prosecutors allege Mangione shot Brian Thompson, the head of UnitedHealth Groups health insurance operations, on a sidewalk in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024. Thompson was staying at a Hilton hotel for an investors meeting when the shooting occurred. Mangione has entered not guilty pleas to the murder, weapons and forgery charges in the state case.
Parallel federal proceedings
Separately, federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York brought murder, weapons and stalking charges against Mangione and indicated they would seek the death penalty. In January, the judge overseeing the federal case dismissed the murder and weapons counts on a legal technicality, which removed the possibility of capital punishment in that forum. The federal stalking charge remains and is scheduled for trial on October 13, with Mangione maintaining a not guilty plea.
Prosecutorial strategy and earlier charges
Attorneys from the Manhattan District Attorneys office, led by Alvin Bragg, had pressed for a swift state trial, an approach prosecutors said they favored in the hope of proceeding prior to federal action. In the early stages of the state prosecution, authorities had also charged Mangione with terrorism. Justice Carro later dismissed the terrorism count, finding insufficient evidence to show the alleged conduct was aimed at influencing public policy.
Apprehension and public reaction
Law enforcement arrested Mangione in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt. He has been held in custody since his arrest. The killing drew widespread condemnation from public officials and simultaneously triggered a wave of online support from some Americans who have been vocal in their criticism of health insurance industry practices and high healthcare costs.
Potential penalties
While the dismissal of murder and weapons charges in federal court eliminated federal death penalty exposure, state charges still carry severe penalties if Mangione is convicted. Separately, the unresolved federal stalking charge carries its own potential maximum punishments under federal law.
Next steps
The state trial scheduled for June 8 will determine the outcome of the murder, weapons and forgery counts in Manhattan. The federal stalking case remains on the calendar for October 13, ensuring parallel legal tracks will continue to move through the courts.
Note: Reporting here is limited to the details presented during court proceedings and official filings; no additional facts have been introduced.