Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty To State Murder Charges In UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing Case

Luigi Mangione has formally spoken on the accusations against him in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The 26-year-old suspect arrived at his arraignment in New York state court on Dec. 23 and pleaded not guilty to murder and related terrorism charges stemming from Thompson’s death. Mangione was escorted into the courtroom in shackles and wore a maroon sweater over a white collared shirt – a similar look to his defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who NBC News reports told the court that she believes Mangione may not get a fair trial in light of his highly-publicized legal appearances. Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Penn., on Dec. 9 after a five-day manhunt following Thompson’s high-profile killing, which authorities have called a “brazen” and “targeted attack.” In addition to Mangione’s state indictment, he is also facing federal charges of murder and stalking, along with a firearm offense, that could bring the death penalty. If convicted in his state case, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Mangione’s state arraignment comes days after he landed in Manhattan by helicopter after waiving his extradition from Pennsylvania. His arrival made headlines for the massive police escort surrounding him that included New York City mayor Eric Adams. He is being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the same facility where Sean “Diddy” Combs is incarcerated. Mangione’s next court date for his federal case is reportedly expected to come in mid-January.