Federal murder charges dropped in UnitedHealthcare CEO's killing outside Manhattan hotel

A judge has dismissed federal murder and weapons charges against Luigi Mangione for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The decision removes the possibility of the death penalty in the case. Thompson was shot dead outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel in December 2024 during an investor conference. Brian Thompson led UnitedHealth Group’s insurance division before his death. Mangione is accused of fatally shooting him outside the hotel. After the killing, Mangione fled and was arrested in Pennsylvania following a five-day manhunt.

In December 2024, Mangione pleaded not guilty to state charges of murder, weapons possession, and forgery. In April 2025, he also pleaded not guilty to federal murder, weapons, and stalking charges. His state trial is scheduled for September before Justice Gregory Carro in Manhattan.

Jury selection for the federal case is set to begin in September, with opening statements expected in November. Mangione’s defence team plans to argue that he was experiencing an extreme mental health crisis at the time of the alleged killing. Under New York law, this could allow him to seek a reduced charge based on an 'extreme emotional disturbance'. U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett’s ruling eliminates the federal case against Mangione. The state trial will proceed as planned. Mangione’s legal team will present its argument about his mental state during the proceedings.