Defense attorneys for Luigi Mangione intend to mount a psychiatric defense in his upcoming state murder trial. The legal team informed Judge Gregory Carro they will argue Mangione suffered from extreme emotional disturbance during the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
This strategy could result in a manslaughter conviction rather than murder if accepted by a jury. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges stemming from the December 2024 killing in midtown Manhattan. The judge confirmed plans to unseal court records regarding this defense approach.
The Ivy League graduate faces separate federal stalking charges carrying a potential life sentence. His state trial is scheduled to commence on September 8. Thompson was fatally shot from behind while attending an investor conference in New York City.