The man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare's CEO outside a New York City hotel is expected to make his next court appearance in mid-February. Prosecutors and defense lawyers have requested an extension to prepare the case for trial.
The accused, a 26-year-old man named in a criminal complaint as Luigi Mangione, is facing federal charges including murder and firearms counts. The deadline to bring an indictment against Mangione has been extended from January 18 to February 17 to allow both parties ample time for pretrial proceedings and trial preparation.
The case has garnered attention due to the possibility of the death penalty for at least one charge. The decision on pursuing the death penalty rests with the Justice Department in Washington, with potential changes expected as President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
Mangione allegedly shot Brian Thompson on December 4 as Thompson was en route to an investor conference in midtown Manhattan. The incident shocked the business community and drew attention from health insurance critics.
Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to state charges including murder as an act of terrorism, was apprehended on December 9 at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s after a five-day search. He is currently detained in a Brooklyn federal jail alongside other high-profile defendants.
The state charges against Mangione carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. The federal and state cases are expected to proceed on parallel tracks, with the state trial anticipated to commence first. Mangione's next appearance in state court is scheduled for February 21.