The federal plea ends one case without an agreement and could dramatically affect the upcoming New York murder trial
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to two federal stalking charges and admitted in court that he fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, marking a stunning shift in a case that had been headed to trial.
Addressing the federal judge in Manhattan, Mangione acknowledged that he shot Thompson after tracking him to a UnitedHealthcare conference. He said he posed as an investor to gather information about those attending and used a 3D-printed firearm fitted with a silencer.
Mangione pleaded guilty to interstate stalking resulting in death and stalking through the use of interstate facilities resulting in death. There was no plea agreement with federal prosecutors, meaning he admitted to both charges without receiving a guaranteed sentence in return.
His defense is expected to argue that years of severe pain following a broken back, combined with his anger toward the healthcare and insurance systems, affected his mental condition at the time of the killing. The court will review a presentencing report and may hear additional evidence about his state of mind before determining his punishment.
The judge said federal sentencing guidelines indicate a possible range of approximately 24 to 30 years, although the court retains significant discretion. Mangione’s sentencing has been scheduled for December 18, and he would be required to serve at least 85 percent of any federal sentence imposed.
The guilty plea could also reshape Mangione’s separate New York prosecution for second-degree murder and weapons charges. His attorneys have asked the state court to dismiss that case on double-jeopardy grounds, while the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office says it remains prepared to pursue the state proceedings.
