Murder and terror charges against Luigi Mangione, accused of killing United Healthcare CEO, have been dismissed.
A Manhattan Supreme Court judge has ruled to dismiss pivotal charges against Luigi Mangione, the individual accused of murdering Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare. On Tuesday, Judge Gregory Carro characterized the evidence presented by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office as “legally insufficient,” leading to the dismissal of first-degree murder and terrorism allegations. Mangione, aged 27, still faces a charge of second-degree murder but is no longer at risk of receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole on the state level.
The court session witnessed an outpouring of support for Mangione, with approximately two dozen individuals, predominantly women, present in the courtroom, demonstrating solidarity with him. Outside the courthouse, more supporters gathered, brandishing signs and messages of encouragement. This unprecedented public backing has reportedly resulted in over million raised for Mangione’s legal defense, a sum reflective of the strong interest in this high-profile case.
Mangione’s appearance in court, marked by beige prison attire and restrained by handcuffs and shackles, was scheduled just before 9:30 a.m. He is accused of fatally shooting Thompson outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, as the executive arrived for an annual healthcare conference. Prosecutors allege that Mangione had meticulously planned the assault for months. During the investigation, investigators uncovered shell casings with markings that reportedly referenced the healthcare industry’s practices, suggesting a motive rooted in grievances against the industry.
Following the alleged shooting, Mangione managed to flee the scene on a bicycle, evading authorities for days before being apprehended at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania—over 300 miles from the crime scene—after a nationwide manhunt.
In addition to his state charges, Mangione faces federal charges, including murder through the use of a firearm and stalking, brought by the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office. Should he be convicted in the federal case, he could potentially face the death penalty, a rare outcome in New York law, which his defense team is actively contesting.
Currently, Mangione is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, as legal proceedings continue. Further updates on this developing story are anticipated.
Media News Source
