Luigi Mangione is expected to appear in a Manhattan courtroom Friday ahead of New York’s case against him for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Scheduling and other pre-trial matters are expected to be discussed at the New York State Supreme Court Friday. We may learn the start date of the trial. 

On Jan. 30, prosecutors requested a July 1 trial date for Mangione on the state charges. Mangione’s attorneys said this request is unreasonable as they need the rest of the year to prepare for the federal trial.

Jury selection in the federal case is now set to begin on Sept. 8, with opening statements on Oct. 13.

Mangione, 27, is facing both federal and state charges in the 2024 killing of Thompson. He is accused of gunning the CEO down outside a Midtown hotel, setting off a manhunt spanning several states. 

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

Judge rules federal prosecutors can’t seek death penalty

Federal Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal firearms charges against Mangione that carried the possibility of the death penalty just before the last court date.

But, she left stalking charges in place against him that can bring a maximum punishment of life in prison without the opportunity for parole.

Mangione’s attorney, Karen Agnifilo, thanked the court for “this incredible decision.”

“We’re all very relieved,” Agnifilo said. “We’re prepared, and have been prepared, to fight this case, and we look forward to fighting this case.”   

Attempt to bar backpack evidence

Garnett also ruled that evidence taken from Mangione’s backpack during his arrest will be admissible in his federal trial. 

The defense asked the judge to suppress the 3D-printed handgun, loaded magazine, notebook, nap and “survival kit” that were in the bag. They said the evidence was recovered during a warrantless search.

Police said it’s standard procedure to take property like a backpack during an arrest. It also would be standard procedure to search the backpack, officers testified. 

A decision about the use of the backpack evidence in Mangione’s state trial is expected to be announced in April. 

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