NEW YORK — A federal judge in New York on Friday dismissed a federal murder charge against Luigi Mangione, preventing prosecutors from pursuing the death penalty in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
During a court appearance, the judge removed the death-eligible counts from Mangione’s federal indictment. As a result, federal prosecutors can no longer seek capital punishment in the case. The ruling did not dismiss the indictment in full, and Mangione still faces additional federal charges, as well as a separate state murder case.
Mangione appeared in federal court at the courthouse at 40 Foley Square in Manhattan as part of ongoing pretrial proceedings. He has pleaded not guilty to both federal and state charges related to Thompson’s death.
Authorities say Thompson was shot while walking to a Midtown Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealth Group was holding an investor conference, according to the Associated Press. Mangione remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
What we don’t know:
The judge has not yet ruled on a defense request to suppress evidence recovered from Mangione’s backpack following his arrest in Pennsylvania. Defense attorneys argue the search was conducted without a warrant, while prosecutors contend officers followed standard arrest and property-handling procedures.
That decision could play a key role in determining what evidence may be presented to a jury if the case proceeds to trial.