lawyer Cites First Amendment After New York Judge Partially Dismisses Charges Against Accused UnitedHealthcare CEO Killer
New York, NY – A New York judge on Tuesday partially dismissed charges against Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, leading his attorney to invoke the First Amendment when questioned about MangioneS interactions with supporters.The ruling came during a hearing in Manhattan state court.
Mangione, 39, is accused of shooting Thompson on August 9 in Nantucket, massachusetts. He was later apprehended in New York City. The state case centers on a second-degree murder charge, while a separate federal case addresses firearm-related offenses.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Manhattan State Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro dismissed nine counts against Mangione, including charges of attempted murder and reckless endangerment related to other individuals present during the shooting. However, the judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the second-degree murder charge, stating Mangione “murdered Brian Thompson in a premeditated and calculated execution.” A conviction on this charge carries a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
When asked if Mangione directed his lawyers to meet with supporters, attorney Marc Agnifilo responded, “First Amendment.”
Mangione appeared in court wearing a tan prison jumpsuit, black shirt, handcuffs, and ankle shackles. The hearing was brief, with Judge Carro setting a schedule for future court proceedings.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated, “We respect the Court’s decision and will proceed on the remaining nine counts.”
In his written decision, Judge Carro explained his reasoning for dismissing certain charges, noting that while Mangione expressed animosity toward UnitedHealthcare and the healthcare industry, there was no evidence to suggest his goal was to ”intimidate and coerce a civilian population.”
The next court appearance in the New york state case is scheduled for december 1. Mangione’s next federal court date is December 5.
Curtis Means/Pool Photo via AP. Luigi Mangione, center, appeared in Manhattan state court in New York on September 16.
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