A federal district judge has ruled that Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty.
Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal murder charge against Mangione, saying it was technically flawed, The Associated Press reported. But she left stalking charges against him in place. Those charges bring a maximum life sentence if convicted.
Federal prosecutors had pushed for the death sentence in the case, CNN reported.
Garnett will also allow evidence found in Mangione’s backpack be used during the trial.
Those items included a gun, a loaded magazine and a notebook that prosecutors said tied Mangione to Thompson’s killing.
Defense attorneys said the evidence was gathered illegally because police did not have a warrant to search the backpack, CNN reported.
©2026 Cox Media Group
