Luigi Mangione, the man charged over the fatal shooting of CEO of UnitedHealthcare in New York City, is set to make his first court appearance since his December arraignment on state murder and terror charges.
The 26-year-old led authorities on a five-day manhunt before eventually being caught and arrested at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, after he was reported by an employee.
During Friday’s hearing, prosecutors and Mangione’s defense lawyers are expected to provide updates on the status of the case and Judge Gregory Carro could set deadlines for pretrial paperwork.
A trial date may also be set.
Mangione, who has become a cult hero to some since the killing, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism.
He is accused of gunning down Brian Thompson outside a midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4. The healthcare boss was shot three times in the back on a sidewalk as he walked to an investor conference in the city.
Mangione also faces federal charges that could carry the possibility of the death penalty. He is currently being held in a Brooklyn federal jail alongside several other high-profile defendants, including Sean “Diddy” Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried.
What is Luigi Mangione charged with?
Friday marks Mangione’s first appearance in New York court since his arraignment on state murder and terror charges, though he also faces federal charges.
Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first.
Mangione’s New York state charges are:
- one count of first degree murder
- two counts of second degree murder
- seven counts of criminal possession of a weapon
- one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument
The maximum sentence for the state charges is life in prison without parole.
On a federal level, Mangione is charged with:
- one count of using a firearm to commit murder, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life in prison
- one count of interstate stalking resulting in death, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison
- one count of stalking through use of interstate facilities resulting in death, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison
- one count of discharging a firearm that was equipped with a silencer in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 year
In Pennsylvania, he faces charges including possession of fraudulent documents, possession of a firearm without a license, and forgery.
Mike Bedigan21 February 2025 17:00
Brief recap: What happened?
Luigi Mangione has been charged with murder in connection to the death of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Thompson, 50, was gunned down outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 4, as he was walking to an investor conference.
The incident was caught on surveillance footage.
Mangione eluded police for nearly a week until he was spotted eating a meal inside a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania after an employee recognized him from the photos circulating online and tipped off police.
He appeared in court first in Pennsylvania, before being returned to New York.
Mike Bedigan21 February 2025 16:30
In pictures: Luigi Mangione’s high-profile return to New York and perp walk
Mike Bedigan21 February 2025 16:00
Recap: Who is alleged healthcare boss killer Luigi Mangione?
It’s been a while since Mangione’s last appearance in court in Manhattan, so here is a refresher on the details, courtesy of The Independent’s reporters:
Mike Bedigan21 February 2025 15:30
Luigi Mangione, alleged healthcare CEO killer, back in court today
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old vigilante who allegedly gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is due to appear back in a Manhattan court today for the first time since his December arraignment.
Follow here for The Independent’s live coverage, as well as a recap of the story so far.
Mike Bedigan21 February 2025 15:20
