Prosecutors in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office stated they are prepared to advocate for a significant prison sentence if Luigi Mangione enters a guilty plea in the federal case connected to the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This stance was detailed in a letter made public Friday to the judge overseeing Mangione’s state court proceedings.
Mangione, 28, faces both federal and state charges in connection with Thompson's shooting death in Midtown Manhattan in December 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges. His trial is scheduled to begin in New York State Supreme Court in September and in Manhattan federal court in January.
The District Attorney's office's letter acknowledged public reports suggesting Mangione might consider a guilty plea in the federal case. The statement indicated that if such a plea were to undermine the state prosecution's pursuit of justice, the prosecution would inform the federal court. They also stated the court should consider this fact, and any objections from the victim's family, when deciding whether to accept the plea.
A spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg declined to comment on the matter. Mangione’s legal team had not immediately responded to a request for comment.