Luigi Mangione due in New York court amid double jeopardy fight in UnitedHealthcare CEO's killing

Mangione faces Judge Gregory Carro in Lower Manhattan for a pretrial hearing on state and federal charges for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024. Defense argues state charges duplicate federal death penalty prosecution, violating double jeopardy. If the judge allows the state case to move forward, They seek dismissal of terrorism counts and exclusion of arrest evidence: a 9mm handgun and notebook detailing plans to “wack” an insurance executive.

Surveillance captured a masked gunman shooting Thompson at the New York Hilton Midtown. Ammunition bore “delay,” “deny,” “depose,” reflecting insurer tactics. Mangione, arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, inspires a cult following. Supporters in green plan an 8 a.m. protest. His fundraiser exceeds $1.2 million. He pleads not guilty.

Prosecutors demand clarity on insanity defenses. State charges allege intent to intimidate insurance employees. Federal charges focus on stalking Thompson. He remains in Brooklyn’s federal jail.