Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have decided not to appeal a court ruling that blocks the death penalty in the case against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing Brian Thompson in 2024.
The decision follows a ruling last month by U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett, who dismissed two of the four federal charges against Mangione, including murder through the use of a firearm — a count that carried a potential death sentence. Prosecutors formally notified the court that they would not seek an interlocutory appeal of the decision.
Judge Finds Legal Flaw in Capital Charge
In her order, Garnett concluded that the murder charge was legally defective because the underlying stalking offense did not meet the statutory definition of a “crime of violence.” Under federal law, prosecutors must prove that a killing occurred in the course of committing another qualifying violent crime to pursue capital punishment.
With the dismissal of the murder and related firearms counts, Mangione now faces two remaining federal charges of interstate stalking. Each carries a potential sentence of life in prison without parole.
Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges.
Separate State Case Moves Forward
In addition to the federal case, Mangione faces nine charges in New York state court, including second-degree murder and weapons offenses. That trial is scheduled to begin June 8. A separate federal trial is expected this fall, with jury selection anticipated in September.
Mangione’s attorney, Karen Agnifilo, praised the judge’s decision, calling it a significant legal victory. She also expressed gratitude to supporters who have gathered outside the Manhattan federal courthouse during proceedings.
Background of the Case
Mangione is accused of fatally shooting Thompson on Dec. 4, 2024, in midtown Manhattan as the executive was heading to a UnitedHealth Group investor conference. Authorities described the killing as targeted and deliberate.
The shooting triggered a five-day nationwide manhunt that ended with Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald’s – Altoona location in Pennsylvania.
Earlier this year, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty, characterizing the killing as a premeditated act that stunned the country. However, the court’s ruling effectively removed capital punishment from consideration in the federal case.
What Comes Next
With prosecutors opting not to challenge the dismissal, Mangione will no longer face execution under federal law. Still, he remains exposed to life sentences if convicted on either the federal stalking charges or the state-level murder counts.
Both trials are expected to draw national attention as they proceed through the courts later this year.
