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 commence on June 8, which is three months before the jury selection for his federal case.
Judge Gregory Carro, after a lengthy discussion with both prosecutors and defense attorneys, mentioned that the state trial could be delayed until September 8 if an appeal pushes back the federal trial.
Mangione’s lawyers voiced their objections to the June trial date, stating that the trial ultimately conflicts with their preparation for the federal case that alleges he stalked and subsequently murdered Thompson.
“Mr. Mangione is being put in an untenable situation,” said defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, claiming that the situation is a “tug-of-war between two different prosecution offices.”
“The defense will not be ready on June 8,” Agnifilo insisted.
“Be ready,” Judge Carro responded, clarifying the urgency of the situation.
Facing charges that could lead to life imprisonment, Mangione has pleaded not guilty in both state and federal courts. Last week, the judge in federal court ruled that prosecutors will not be able to pursue the death penalty.
Wearing a tan jail suit, Mangione maintained a silent demeanor at the defense table until expressing his concerns at the end of the hearing.
Jury selection for the federal case is scheduled for September 8, followed by opening statements and testimony on October 13.
Amid discussions about trial dates, Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann requested a July 1 start for the New York trial, asserting that delaying the trial would unfairly prejudice the state’s interests.
Initially, federal prosecutors had anticipated the state trial would proceed first. Judge Carro noted that Thompson’s family has also expressed a wish for the state trial to occur ahead of the federal proceedings.
Scheduling the state trial first aims to circumvent potential double jeopardy complications stemming from both trials involving different charges but the same underlying incident.
The issue of double jeopardy under New York law could prevent the district attorney from prosecuting Mangione if the federal trial precedes the state trial.
Volume of evidence is expected for the state case, with discussions revolving around items such as a 9 mm handgun and a notebook conveying Mangione's intent to harm a health insurance executive.
As the case continues to evolve, Mangione is not expected back in court until May, when further evidence discussions will take place.
Thompson, aged 50, was tragically killed on December 4, 2024, as he headed to a business event in Manhattan. Surveillance footage depicted the shooting incident committed by a masked individual.
Mangione was arrested shortly after the shooting, and the case continues to receive attention amid its complex legal implications.
