LOWER MANHATTAN (WABC) — Luigi Mangione will head back to a federal courtroom today, where his defense attorneys plan to convince the judge to postpone his trial.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors allege that Mangione took the life of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan in December 2024.<\/p>\n
Thompson’s death sparked a conversation on health care and insurance across the country, and Mangione’s high-profile trial has been closely watched by many.<\/p>\n
Mangione pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges.<\/p>\n
Mangione’s lawyers argued he could not properly prepare for his federal trial — which is set to begin with jury selection on Sept. 8 and opening statements on Oct. 13 — while he is on trial in the state case, which begins June 8.<\/p>\n
The state trial would be ongoing while hundreds of potential jurors for the federal case begin filling out questionnaires on June 29.<\/p>\n
“Mr. Mangione is now in the impossible position of having to review 800 jury questionnaires during the week of June 29, 2026, while on trial for second-degree murder in state court,” defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo wrote in a letter to the judge. “As a practical matter, this would not be possible.”<\/p>\n
She also argued potential jurors would be “bombarded” by news accounts of the state trial.<\/p>\n
“As a result, forcing Mr. Mangione to start the state trial on June 8, 2026 — three weeks before potential federal jurors start filling out juror questionnaires a few blocks away in Mr. Mangione’s federal case — guarantees that the fairness and impartiality of Mr. Mangione’s federal jurors will be negatively impacted by weeks of media reporting,” the defense said.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors prefer to stick with the set start date.<\/p>\n
The last time Mangione sat in a federal courtroom was when a judge dismissed the possibility of the death penalty if he’s convicted.<\/a><\/p>\n If Mangione is found guilty in either of his cases, he faces life behind bars. Today’s hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m.<\/p>\n ———- Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News<\/p>\n
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