Luigi Mangione pleads guilty to federal charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty on Friday to federal charges related to the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, admitting in court, "I shot Mr. Thompson and he died. I knew what I was doing was illegal" Source: ABC. The plea, entered before U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett, resolves the federal case without a trial, but Mangione still faces state murder charges in New York Source: La Voz.

The plea and sentence

Mangione, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts of interstate stalking resulting in death, which carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole Source: Clarín. The judge set sentencing for December 18, and prosecutors have said they will seek a life term Source: El Colombiano. The death penalty was ruled out after federal charges that could have allowed it were dismissed earlier this year; New York state also abolished capital punishment in 2004 Source: La Voz.

State case and double jeopardy

The federal plea does not end Mangione's legal troubles. He still faces second-degree murder charges in New York state, with jury selection scheduled for September 8 Source: El Caribe. His defense has filed a motion to dismiss the state charges, arguing that the federal plea bars a second prosecution under New York's double jeopardy protections Source: ABC. Prosecutors in Manhattan oppose the motion, contending the state charges involve a different legal interest—homicide—and should proceed Source: La Voz.

Public reaction

The case has polarized public opinion. Supporters of Mangione gathered outside the courthouse, with one person shouting "America loves Luigi" to Thompson's family Source: ABC. Meanwhile, federal prosecutor Jamie McDonald said, "There can be no celebrities among murderers" Source: El Colombiano. Thompson's family expressed gratitude that the federal system held Mangione accountable and said they will continue seeking justice Source: La Vanguardia.