In a significant development, a federal judge in Manhattan has ruled that Luigi Mangione, charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty. The decision was announced on Friday morning by Judge Margaret Garnett of the Federal District Court during pretrial hearings.

Mangione is contending with a slew of charges at both the state and federal levels, including second-degree murder and stalking. However, Judge Garnett has opted to dismiss several charges, notably those related to firearms use in the alleged crime.

Prosecutors had previously sought the death penalty for Mangione, following his arrest in connection with Thompson’s death on December 4, 2024. The CEO was reportedly shot in the back while on his way to UnitedHealth Group’s annual conference in Midtown Manhattan.

The courtroom decision marks a pivotal moment in a case that has captured widespread attention, as legal proceedings continue to unfold in the high-profile matter.

Magione is accused of shooting Thompson in the back as Thompson headed to the UnitedHealth Group’s yearly conference in Midtown Manhattan.

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On December 9, 2024, police arrested Mangione in Pennsylvania.

According to FOX 2, the defense had requested suppression of evidence after investigators retrieved items from Mangione’s backpack. The defense claimed authorities searched the backpack without obtaining a warrant.

Authorities reportedly found a 9mm “ghost gun” inside the backpack, along with loaded magazines, a 3D-printed silencer, a notebook, and false identification.

The gun matched the same weapon that killed Thompson, investigators said. The notebook allegedly had information on how Mangione planned to “wack” an executive in the healthcare industry, Spectrum News reports.

Garnett ruled Friday that evidence seized in the backpack will be allowed.

“The search was reasonable under the facts of this case,” Garnett stated Friday.

NBC New York reports that opening statements are scheduled to begin in October. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: FILE – Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appears in Manhattan state court in New York, Sept. 16, 2025. (Curtis Means/Pool Photo via AP, file)]