Judge Bars Death Penalty in Mangione Case
Judge Garnett dismissed the federal counts that authorized capital punishment on Feb. 21, 2025, giving prosecutors 30 days to appeal, court documents show.
Overview
U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett dismissed the federal murder and firearm counts that authorized capital punishment on Feb. 21, 2025, foreclosing the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, court documents show.
The ruling leaves two federal stalking counts that carry a maximum sentence of life without parole and preserves state charges, underscoring prosecutors' remaining paths to pursue Mangione, court records show.
Prosecutors have 30 days to appeal the dismissal, officials confirmed, and Luigi Mangione's defense team welcomed the decision outside the Brooklyn courthouse.
Federal agents seized a 9 mm handgun, a loaded magazine, fake IDs and a notebook prosecutors say contained hostile entries; Mangione faces nine New York state charges including second-degree murder, records show.
Jury selection in the federal case is scheduled to begin Sept. 8, 2025, with opening statements set for Oct. 13, 2025, and judges will consider pending suppression and evidentiary motions beforehand, court dockets show.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present largely neutral, procedural coverage focused on judicial rulings, evidentiary decisions, and trial scheduling. Reporting foregrounds Judge Garnett’s legal reasoning and direct quotes from defense, prosecutors and supporters, rather than value-laden language. Selective human-interest details (supporters cheering, Bondi’s statement) are sourced content, not overt editorial framing.
Sources (22)
FAQ
The judge ruled that the murder and firearm counts were legally incompatible with the two stalking counts Mangione faces, as stalking fails to qualify as a crime of violence under federal law.
Mangione faces two federal stalking counts, which carry a maximum sentence of life without parole.
Jury selection begins on September 8, 2025, with opening statements on October 13, 2025; prosecutors have until February 27, 2026, to appeal the dismissal.
Federal agents seized a 9 mm handgun, loaded magazine, fake IDs, and a notebook with hostile entries; the judge declined to suppress this evidence from his backpack.
History
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