Luigi Mangione has pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a stunning move that could significantly alter his upcoming New York state murder trial. In a Manhattan federal court on Thursday, the 26-year-old confessed to the killing.
Speaking to the judge, Mangione stated: “After years of enduring pain from a broken back, I shot Mr. Thompson, and he died. I knew what I was doing was illegal.” He pled guilty to interstate stalking resulting in death and stalking through the use of interstate facilities resulting in death.
The plea comes after sources indicated Mangione’s lawyers were in serious negotiations with federal prosecutors. However, the judge noted there was no plea agreement, meaning Mangione did not secure a deal before the hearing. He faces a minimum sentence of 292 months, around 24 years, under federal guidelines, though the judge has considerable discretion.
The federal plea could have major consequences for Mangione’s upcoming New York state murder trial, which is scheduled to begin September 8. His lawyers are expected to argue that New York can no longer prosecute him over the same killing because it would constitute double jeopardy. Even if the state case moves forward, Mangione’s lawyers could pursue an extreme emotional disturbance defense without worrying about how it might affect the federal case.
