Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan earlier this month, pleaded not responsible on Monday to the state expenses he’s dealing with, together with homicide.
Mangione’s not responsible plea comes after he was extradited late final week from Pennsylvania, the place he was initially discovered and arrested, to New York, the place the trial can be held. He’s additionally dealing with 4 federal counts, together with a cost of homicide by way of use of a firearm, which might enable prosecutors to hunt the dying penalty.
However whereas prosecutors have mentioned the state and federal circumstances will progress on parallel tracks, the state trial is anticipated to occur first. The utmost sentence Mangione might obtain if convicted within the state trial is life imprisonment with out the opportunity of parole.
Prosecutors have accused Mangione of killing Thompson on Dec. 4 by New York Hilton Midtown because the CEO was set to handle an annual buyers assembly. Officers launched into a five-day manhunt for the suspect, finally monitoring Mangione to a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.
Upon his arrest, authorities discovered Mangione carrying a gun that matched the one used within the capturing, a faux ID and a pocket book railing in opposition to the medical health insurance trade and rich executives. Essentially the most vital cost that Mangione is dealing with in state courtroom is homicide as an act of terrorism.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangione’s legal professional, pushed again in opposition to the simultaneous state and federal circumstances in opposition to her shopper, calling it “highly unusual” and “very confusing” for somebody to face expenses in each jurisdictions without delay.
Thompson’s killing has obtained widespread condemnation but additionally sparked some backlash amongst some in opposition to the well being care trade. Critics have pointed to situations of steep medical payments and denials of protection as points that encourage frustration with the trade.
Thompson labored at UnitedHealthcare Group for 20 years and served as CEO of the insurance coverage arm since 2021.
The Related Press contributed.
