NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione, 27, voiced concerns Friday about facing two trials for the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, stating to a judge, “It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition.”
Trial Schedule and Legal Challenges
Judge Gregory Carro scheduled Mangione’s state murder trial to begin June 8, three months before jury selection is set to begin in his federal case. The judge indicated the state trial could be delayed until September 8 if the federal trial is postponed.
Mangione’s defense lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, argued that the June date places her client in an “untenable situation,” describing it as a “tug-of-war between two different prosecution offices” and stating the defense would not be prepared by June 8.
Both the state and federal charges against Mangione carry the possibility of a life sentence. Last week, a federal judge ruled prosecutors cannot seek the death penalty in the case. Jury selection in the federal case is scheduled for September 8, with opening statements and testimony to follow on October 13.
Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann argued for a July 1 start date for the state trial, asserting the state has “priority of jurisdiction” because Mangione was initially arrested by New York City police. He also noted that Thompson’s family desires the state trial to proceed first.
Judge Carro acknowledged that federal prosecutors initially anticipated the state trial would occur first, and suggested the federal government had “reneged on its agreement.” He also noted that scheduling the state trial first could help avoid potential double jeopardy issues under New York law.
Evidence and Previous Rulings
In May, Judge Carro is expected to rule on a defense request to exclude evidence, including a 9 mm handgun and a notebook containing a statement about “wacking” a health insurance executive. A judge previously ruled that prosecutors can leverage these items at trial. In September, Judge Carro dismissed state terrorism charges but retained the intentional murder charge.
Thompson, 50, was fatally shot on December 4, 2024, while walking to a midtown Manhattan hotel. Mangione, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, was arrested five days later at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, approximately 230 miles west of Manhattan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Luigi Mangione facing?
Luigi Mangione is facing both state and federal charges, both of which carry the possibility of life in prison.
When is jury selection scheduled to begin in the federal case?
Jury selection in the federal case is set to begin on September 8.
What was the judge’s ruling regarding the death penalty?
The judge in the federal case ruled that prosecutors cannot seek the death penalty.
As the legal proceedings unfold, will the overlapping timelines of the state and federal trials create significant hurdles for the defense?
