Luigi Mangione, UnitedHealthcare CEO killing suspect, to be arraigned in Manhattan
Dec 23, 2024
NEW YORK (NewsNation) — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare is set to be arraigned Monday in a New York City court on state murder and terror charges.
The Manhattan district attorney formally charged Luigi Mangione last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism.
His initial appearance in the New York State Supreme Court was preempted by federal prosecutors bringing their own charges over the shooting.
What’s next for the man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO?
The federal charges could carry the possibility of the death penalty, while the maximum sentence for the state charges is life in prison without parole. Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first.
The district attorney's office told NewsNation that it's working with federal authorities to coordinate Monday's arraignment, but has not yet confirmed a specified time for Mangione's court appearance.
CEO killing 'intended to evoke terror': DA Alvin Bragg
Mangione is accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as he was walking to an investor conference in midtown Manhattan on Dec 4.
He was arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day search and was extradited to New York City on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg announced Mangione is now being indicted on one count of first-degree murder in the furtherance of terrorism, arguing the killing "was intended to evoke terror."
Mangione's defense questions fed charges
Meanwhile, Mangione’s defense team appears taken aback by the federal charges, which were introduced late last week.
Federal investigators argue Mangione meticulously planned the murder, alleging the 26-year-old expressed hostility toward the insurance industry and wealthy executives.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo, an attorney for Mangione, has accused federal and state prosecutors of advancing conflicting legal theories. In federal court last week, she called their approach “very confusing” and “highly unusual.”
Prosecutors have said both cases will be worked on simultaneously, with the state charges expected to go to trial first.
Mangione is set to return to court next month for the federal charges, which could carry the death penalty.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.