Judge Bars Death Penalty in Luigi Mangione Federal Case
Judge Margaret Garnett foreclosed the death penalty after dismissing two federal counts linked to the Dec. 4, 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Overview
U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett, a Biden appointee, dismissed two federal counts that had enabled prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, writing she acted "solely to foreclose the death penalty as an available punishment," the opinion states.
The decision narrows the federal prosecution tied to the Dec. 4, 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson because Garnett concluded the stalking counts do not satisfy the statutory definition of a "crime of violence," court documents show.
Garnett ruled prosecutors may present evidence recovered from Mangione's backpack after his arrest at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and federal prosecutors signaled they may appeal the dismissal, according to court filings and law enforcement sources.
Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty and still faces two counts of interstate stalking that carry a maximum punishment of life in prison, records show.
Jury selection in the federal case is scheduled to begin Sept. 8, with opening statements and testimony set to begin Oct. 13, and the Manhattan district attorney's office is pursuing separate state murder charges, court calendars show.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the ruling primarily as factual yet apply light prosecutorial framing through emphasis and word choice. They foreground the judge's legal findings and a quoted statement of relief, but use evaluative phrasing ("In a win for prosecutors") and note the judge's Biden appointment, privileging legal outcome over broader context or dissenting views.
Sources (5)
FAQ
She ruled that the stalking offenses do not qualify as 'crimes of violence' under the statutory definition, which was required to make him eligible for the death penalty.
He faces two counts of interstate stalking, each carrying a maximum punishment of life in prison.
Evidence including a gun consistent with the murder weapon, a loaded magazine, fake IDs, and a notebook expressing hostility toward the U.S. healthcare system and wealthy executives.
Jury selection begins September 8, with opening statements and testimony starting October 13.
He faces separate state murder charges from the Manhattan district attorney's office, including second-degree murder after terrorism-related charges were dropped.
History
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