Luigi Mangione could face death penalty for killing of healthcare CEO

Luigi Mangione could face the death penalty if convicted of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO.

Federal prosecutors on Thursday afternoon brought four charges against Mangione, 26, including a count of murder that could result in capital punishment.

A federal count of using a firearm to commit murder carries a maximum possible sentence of death or life behind bars, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

Prosecutors have not said if they will seek the death penalty, which wouldneed to be approved by the US Attorney General.

After Mangione’s court appearance, his New York attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, told CNN that ‘she had never seen a situation play out like this’ in terms of the case moving from state to federal court.

Agnifilo did not immediately comment on other aspects of the case, including the potential for a death penalty.

If found guilty in state court, the highest penalty that Mangione could face would be life in prison without parole.

Late Wednesday, Agnifilio had stated: ‘The federal government’s reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns.

‘We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.’

Mangione looked noticeably different as he arrived by helicopter for a court hearing in New York this afternoon.

The alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson appeared clean-shaven as he touched down Manhattan for his latest hearing, appearing to sport a fresh haircut and an eyebrow trim.

A number of protesters gathered outside the courthouse in support of Mangione as he made his way inside, some carrying placards with slogans including, ‘Death by denial is murder!’ and ‘Health insurance practices terrorize people!’

Supporters also wore green hats similar to those worn by the character Luigi from the Super Mario Bros franchise, while others depicted Mangione as the video game character on signs and placards.

Mangione was also charged with the stalking and murder of Thompson, and using a silencer in a violent crime.

‘Thompson was allegedly killed just because he held the position of chief executive officer of a health insurance company,’ stated Acting US Attorney Edward Kin.

‘As alleged, Luigi Mangione traveled to New York to stalk and shoot Thompson in broad daylight in front of a Manhattan hotel, all in a grossly misguided attempt to broadcast Mangione’s views across the country. 

‘But this wasn’t a debate, it was murder, and Mangione now faces federal charges.’ 

Mangione landed by helicopter in Lower Manhattan in the early afternoon.

He wore an orange jail jumpsuit over a maroon shirt and did not appear to struggle with authorities.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was among those who escorted him to a Sprinter van bound for a federal courthouse.

Mangione is scheduled to appear at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse around 2pm, according to the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. The proceedings will be overseen by Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker.

On Thursday morning, Mangione quietly and calmly departed the Blair County Courthouse in Pennsylvania after waiving extradition. He did not struggle with authorities or shout as he was lead out, unlike his last court appearance.

Wearing an orange jail suit over a dark shirt, Mangione looked around and then stepped into a black SUV that was surrounded by law enforcement vehicles.

Shortly before 11am, Mangione boarded a plane extraditing him to New York, where he has been indicted on 11 charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Mangione appeared at Blair County Courthouse in Pennsylvania for two hearings on Thursday morning, the first on charges he faces in the state and the second on his extradition to New York.

Court sketches showed Mangione leaning back in the courtroom and appearing to study documents in a collected manner.

The accused killer – who was arrested in Altoona five days after Thompson, 50, was shot dead in Midtown Manhattan on December 4 – initially indicated through his lawyer that he would fight extradition.

But Mangione defense team change their mind as he was hit with an 11-count indictment from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.

‘We have indications that the defendant may waive that hearing, in which case he brought to New York forthwith,’ said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of the extradition matter on Tuesday.

After Mangione waived extradition, Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks told reporters: ‘We relinquished him to the custody of the New York City Police Department, and they’ll be taking him back to New York City in a safe and secure manner.’

Mangione in set to appear at a federal courthouse in New York on Thursday, several law enforcement officials told CNN.

In New York, Mangione is charged with two counts of second-degree murder including one that is killing as an act of terrorism. He is also charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a count of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, and a count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The slaying outside the Hilton hotel ‘was intended to evoke terror’, stated Bragg.

‘This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation,’ he said.

The public has been divided on the case, with some people praising Mangione for his alleged message in writings attacking health insurance companies denying patient claims.

A GiveSendGo fundraiser for Mangione’s legal defense had raised more than $155,000 as of Wednesday evening, and expanded its goal to $500,000.

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