NEW YORK (AP) — During a court hearing on Friday, Luigi Mangione articulated his frustrations regarding the scheduling of back-to-back trials for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione stated, It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition.
The 27-year-old was in court as the judge confirmed that his state murder trial would start on June 8, placing it just months ahead of jury selection for his federal trial, which will address stalking charges in connection to Thompson's murder.
Judge Gregory Carro considered the possibility of postponing the state trial until September 8 if necessary, depending on appeals that may affect the federal proceedings.
Defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo contested the June date, explaining that the defense team would be occupied preparing for the different facets of the federal trial, which carries a life sentence if found guilty.
“Mr. Mangione is being put in an untenable situation,” Agnifilo argued, likening the two cases to a “tug-of-war between two different prosecution offices.” She added, “The defense will not be ready on June 8.”
In response to the judge's insistence, Agnifilo mentioned the immense pressure the double scheduling puts on the defense.
Judge Carro, noting the dual nature of the cases, remarked, Be ready.” Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both murder charges, which could lead to life imprisonment.
Recently, the federal judge decided against the prosecution seeking the death penalty for Mangione.
Seating for the jury in the federal trial is set for September 8, followed by opening statements and witness testimonies on October 13.
As the court systems try to navigate the complexities of this high-profile case, Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann called for the state trial to commence on July 1, arguing that postponement would unfairly prejudice the state’s case.
The ruling to prioritize the state trial is intended to preempt double jeopardy issues which might arise if the federal trial concludes first. Under New York law, a valid concern exists that such delays could prevent prosecutors from retrying Mangione for any charges stemming from the federal case.
Mangione's next appearance in court concerning the state case is set for May, where the judge will make a decision on the defense's request to dismiss certain pieces of evidence, including a 9 mm handgun linked to the incident and a notebook where Mangione allegedly noted his intent to harm a health insurance executive.
Thompson, 50, was shot and killed on December 4, 2024, as he approached a midtown Manhattan hotel for a corporate event. Following the incident, police gathered evidence indicating the use of intimidation tactics in insurance claims was referenced in the shooting's ammunition.
Mangione, who hailed from a wealthy family, was apprehended shortly after the killing, causing outrage and concern due to the chilling circumstances surrounding the high-profile murder.
