NEW YORK (AP) — Luigi Mangione spoke out in court Friday against the prospect of back-to-back trials over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, telling a judge: “It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition.”
Mangione, 27, made these remarks as court officers escorted him out of the courtroom after a judge scheduled his state murder trial to begin on June 8, three months before jury selection in his federal case.
Judge Gregory Carro, matter-of-fact in his decision after a lengthy discussion with prosecutors and defense lawyers at the bench, stated that the state trial could be delayed until September 8 if an appeal delays the federal trial.
Mangione’s lawyers protested the June trial date, arguing that they’ll be heavily occupied preparing for the federal trial, which includes allegations that Mangione stalked Thompson before the murder. Defense lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo noted, “Mr. Mangione is being put in an untenable situation.”
“Be ready,” Carro replied.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges, each potentially leading to life in prison. Recently, a judge in the federal case ruled that prosecutors cannot seek the death penalty.
As the trial calendar begins to take shape, prosecutors emphasized that delaying the state trial could unfairly prejudice Thompson’s family, who wish to see justice served promptly. However, Carro warned that proceeding with the federal case first could trigger double jeopardy protections under New York law.
Mangione’s next court appearance in the state case is scheduled for May, where he will seek to exclude certain evidence linked to the murder. This includes a 9 mm handgun and a notebook revealing his intentions regarding Thompson.
The stakes remain high as Thompson was tragically shot on December 4, 2024, while heading to a conference, capturing national attention and marking a pivotal moment in legal proceedings surrounding corporate violence.
Mangione, 27, made these remarks as court officers escorted him out of the courtroom after a judge scheduled his state murder trial to begin on June 8, three months before jury selection in his federal case.
Judge Gregory Carro, matter-of-fact in his decision after a lengthy discussion with prosecutors and defense lawyers at the bench, stated that the state trial could be delayed until September 8 if an appeal delays the federal trial.
Mangione’s lawyers protested the June trial date, arguing that they’ll be heavily occupied preparing for the federal trial, which includes allegations that Mangione stalked Thompson before the murder. Defense lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo noted, “Mr. Mangione is being put in an untenable situation.”
“Be ready,” Carro replied.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges, each potentially leading to life in prison. Recently, a judge in the federal case ruled that prosecutors cannot seek the death penalty.
As the trial calendar begins to take shape, prosecutors emphasized that delaying the state trial could unfairly prejudice Thompson’s family, who wish to see justice served promptly. However, Carro warned that proceeding with the federal case first could trigger double jeopardy protections under New York law.
Mangione’s next court appearance in the state case is scheduled for May, where he will seek to exclude certain evidence linked to the murder. This includes a 9 mm handgun and a notebook revealing his intentions regarding Thompson.
The stakes remain high as Thompson was tragically shot on December 4, 2024, while heading to a conference, capturing national attention and marking a pivotal moment in legal proceedings surrounding corporate violence.
