Luigi Mangione’s state murder trial in Manhattan will not commence as scheduled next month. The trial date has been indefinitely postponed following a surprise guilty plea in a separate federal case, a move the defense argues constitutes double jeopardy.
Jury selection for the 28-year-old's trial in Manhattan Supreme Court had been set to begin September 8. However, Justice Gregory Carro rescheduled Mangione’s next court appearance for December 10, effectively delaying the trial, according to court records.
Mangione’s legal team is seeking to have the state murder charges dismissed, asserting that his federal plea agreement should prevent a state-level prosecution for the same crime. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, however, intends to contest this argument and pursue the state case.
Justice Carro has directed the DA’s office to submit its arguments by October 9, with Mangione’s response due by October 30. The judge's decision on whether to proceed with the state trial is pending.
Last week, Mangione pleaded guilty to two federal stalking counts, each carrying a potential life sentence. During the federal proceedings, he stated, "On the morning of Dec. 4, 2024, I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan, and he died." He is scheduled for sentencing in the federal case on December 18. In the state case, Mangione faces charges of second-degree murder and illegal weapons possession.
Mangione, described as the scion of a prominent Maryland family, is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The shooting occurred in Manhattan.