From ABC News · ABC News · · 1m 20s
DA pushes for state trial in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing
Manhattan prosecutors argue Luigi Mangione should face murder charges in state court despite his federal guilty plea.
In brief
Manhattan prosecutors argue Luigi Mangione should face murder charges in state court despite his federal guilty plea. Manhattan's district attorney is opposing Luigi Mangione's attempt to dismiss state murder charges, arguing that state prosecution for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is separate from his…
DA opposes dismissal of state charges
Manhattan's district attorney filed arguments Friday opposing Luigi Mangione's attempt to dismiss his state indictment for murdering UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson in December 2024.
Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court
In August, Mangione pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges and admitted shooting Thompson. He told the court: on the morning of December 4, 2024, I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan and he died.
“On the morning of December 4, 2024, I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan and he died.”
Different crimes allow separate trials
The DA's office argues stalking and murder are two different crimes, so Mangione's federal guilty plea does not prevent state prosecution. His defense claims New York law bars successive prosecutions for the same crime.
Judge to rule in December
The judge is expected to issue a ruling on the state trial in December. Mangione is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court that month and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The big picture
Manhattan's district attorney is opposing Luigi Mangione's attempt to dismiss state murder charges, arguing that state prosecution for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is separate from his federal guilty plea to stalking.
