NEW YORK — Defense attorneys for Luigi Mangione are seeking to have multiple charges against him dismissed, including one that could result in the death penalty. In court documents filed on October 11, the lawyers argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the severe charges related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mangione, 27, was apprehended in December 2024 after a shooting that left Thompson dead. The legal team contends that prosecutors have only linked Mangione to the crime through allegations of stalking, failing to present substantial evidence that would meet the necessary legal criteria for invoking the death penalty.
In their filing, the defense emphasized that the nature of the charges could often lead to convictions without requiring the use or threat of physical force against someone. They argue this undermines the legal basis for the more severe consequences prosecutors are attempting to impose.
Moreover, the defense is contesting the validity of evidence recovered during Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. They claim police lacked a proper search warrant when they inspected his backpack, which contained a firearm, ammunition, a counterfeit New Jersey identification, and a three-page manifesto.
Regarding his interrogation, the defense asserts that Mangione was not read his Miranda rights prior to being questioned by law enforcement, thus any statements he made should be inadmissible in court. This claim is supported by footage from police body cameras that captured the moments following his arrest.
Mangione faces several serious charges, including using a firearm in the commission of murder and interstate stalking resulting in death. He pleaded not guilty to the federal and state charges shortly after his arrest on December 9. Additionally, while he was indicted on terrorism charges, those were dismissed last month.
Since his arrest, Mangione has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he awaits further legal proceedings. The upcoming hearing for his federal case is set for December 5, during which a trial date is expected to be established.
As the case unfolds, it continues to draw significant public interest due to its high-profile nature and the serious implications of the charges against Mangione. The outcome could set a precedent regarding the prosecution’s strategies in similar cases involving potential capital punishment.