Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty to Murder, Stalking in UnitedHealthcare CEO's Killing
Luigi Mangione changed his plea in a Manhattan courtroom, admitting to the December 2024 shooting death of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson and to stalking the victim in the weeks prior. The plea bars state prosecutors from trying him on murder charges. Mangione previously pleaded guilty to related federal stalking charges carrying up to life in prison without parole. A separate New York state trial, which involves the specific murder charge but carries a lower sentencing cap, is scheduled for September 2026.
Luigi Mangione changed his plea in a Manhattan courtroom, admitting to the shooting death of UnitedHealth Group chief executive Brian Thompson. In a statement to the judge, he said: "I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan. I understand that my actions would put him in fear of death or bodily harm. I know that what I did was illegal." He further admitted to having stalked the victim in the weeks before the attack. The shooting took place on a Manhattan street, with Thompson succumbing to his injuries in December 2024.
Mangione's guilty plea means the state court can no longer bring him to trial on murder charges. He had previously pleaded guilty to related federal stalking charges in connection with Thompson's death, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. He also faces a separate New York state trial, scheduled to begin in September 2026. Relative to the federal case, the state proceedings carry a lower sentencing cap but involve the specific murder charge.
Mangione remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. The concurrent disposition of his federal and state cases will determine the ultimate sentence he faces. Further details on court schedules and sentencing arrangements have yet to be announced.