Luigi Mangion was charged Thursday with federal charges in the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a major step in prosecutors’ pursuit of the death penalty.
The indictment, which was returned by the Federal Ju trial in Manhattan, includes murder for the use of a firearm and could be the death penalty. Mangion has also been charged with stalking and gun attacks.
This comes after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondy directed prosecutors to seek the death penalty.
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Death penalty was sought by UnitedHealthcare CEO Killer Luigi Mangione, who was criticized
“Luigi Mangion’s murder of Brian Thompson – an innocent man and father of two young children was a planned, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America,” she said in a statement issued April 1 by the Department of Justice.
“After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case when implementing President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crimes and make America safe again.”
Mangion’s lawyers argue that Bondy’s announcement was a “political stunt” that corrupted the process of the big ju judge and deprived Mangion of the rights to a legitimate constitutional process, according to the Associated Press.
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In a statement to Reuters on April 1, Mangion’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo said the decision to seek the death penalty was “a wild bar.”
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“While it claims to protect against murder, the federal government is moving to commit murders sponsored by Luigi’s planned state,” Friedman Agnifilo said.
The 26-year-old Ivy League alumni faces separate federal and state murder charges after authorities accused Thompson of fatally shooting him when they walked the street at a United Healthcare investor meeting in Manhattan last December.
The state charges that Mangiony pleaded not guilty will pose the greatest life punishment in prison.
The shooting sent shockwaves throughout the United States, sparking fear among the business community, leading some health insurance companies to remove photos of executives from their websites.
Meanwhile, the killing killed health insurance industry critics who shared a clear scorn for Mangion’s large medical expenses, denial of insurance claims, and the abundant abundance of embarrassment among industry executives, and who shared that he piqued a fandom that is likely to gather outside the hearing of suspected murderers.
Pamela Smith / Associated Press
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If Mangion is convicted in his federal trial, it will be up to the ju judge to decide whether to recommend the death penalty. The decision is unanimous and must be imposed by a judge.
Mangion was arrested on December 9th at McDonald’s, Pennsylvania, after a five-day multi-state search. Police say the gun that matched the gun used in the shooting was found by his person, as well as the fake ID.
Investigators also discovered a notebook containing handwritten accounts of hostile feelings towards the health insurance industry, particularly wealthy executives, federal prosecutors say.
Since his arrest, Mangion has gained loyal supporters. Some believe that his alleged crime was a legitimate act of rebellion against the greed of Wanton Corporations, and that he went quite a long way to convey their support.
In February, it was discovered that the heart-shaped lettering was hidden in a pair of socks that Mangione was supposed to wear for the hearing.
According to a photo of court documents filed by Mangion’s lawyers, a short memo on pale pink paper read “Keep your head” and “Know that there are thousands of people who want your luck.” The message was signed “K/Free Luigi,” the Associated Press reported.
Mangion’s federal complaint came just before the Friday deadline, whether prosecutors filed one or seek a delay. It was not immediately clear when he would be taken to federal court in Manhattan.
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UnitedHealthCare CEO Killing: What is Luigi Mangione’s life in prison?
– Use files from Associated Press.
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