Luigi Mangione To Assert Psychiatric Defense In Health Care CEO's Murder Trial

Mangione will assert a psychiatric defense at his state murder trial in the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Judge Gregory Carro said the defense will argue he was suffering from extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the offense. If successful, Mangione could be committed to a psychiatric treatment facility rather than prison. The defense sought to seal records from a secret hearing to protect its strategy, with prosecutors arguing unsealing could prejudice the federal case; the judge planned to unseal some materials. Mangione, 28, has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges, and his state murder trial is set for September 8, with a federal stalking case beginning October 13. Thompson, 50, was killed as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Group’s investor conference, with surveillance video cited by police. A 3D-printed pistol and a notebook are cited as linking Mangione to the crime; the notebook reportedly described violent intent and opposition to a perceived insurance cartel. The gun magazine charge related to an initial backpack search was later dismissed.