NEW YORK CITY (Gray DC) – Luigi Mangione appeared in federal court Friday as his defense team argued the death penalty should be removed from his case in the killing of former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The defense and prosecution argued for hours in a packed courtroom before Judge Margaret Garnett. Garnett cited past case law while questioning both sides and said this is a serious issue requiring more time before making a decision.
Garnett scheduled another hearing for later this month. She also ruled that authorities legally seized Mangione’s backpack when he was arrested five days after allegedly killing Thompson.
The judge ruled out holding another hearing on the legality of the seizure but did not say whether evidence seized from the backpack would be allowed in the trial.
Suppressing evidence is a key effort from Mangione’s lawyers in his state case. They are hoping to suppress evidence in his federal case as well.
The exact trial dates remain undecided as the judge considers whether this is a capital trial. Garnett suggested jury selection could begin just after Labor Day with the trial beginning in fall or winter.
Mangione is accused of killing Thompson Dec. 4, 2024.
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