Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking in CEO’s Murder Case

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court to charges of stalking linked to the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

“I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan, and he died,” he stated to the court.

Prosecutors confirmed that Mangione traveled to New York City and fatally shot Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024, as he approached UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference.

The court accepted his plea, and sentencing is scheduled for December. Mangione faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment without parole for the two counts of stalking.

Judges Approve Dismissal of State Murder Charges

Mangione had initially pleaded not guilty to federal murder, weapons, and stalking charges. The court dismissed the murder and weapons counts on procedural grounds, leaving only the stalking charges and removing the possibility of a death penalty.

Mangione still faces separate murder, weapons, and forgery charges in New York state court. His federal guilty plea may support arguments to dismiss some state charges.

“State charges must be dismissed under New York’s double jeopardy protections,” said Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, to reporters outside the court.

Double jeopardy protections prevent individuals from being prosecuted for the same offense multiple times.

Mangione Details Motivation for Guilty Plea

Mangione explained to the court that his actions stemmed from enduring chronic back pain and frustration with the U.S. healthcare system.

Thompson, as chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, one of America’s largest health insurers, was shot three times in the back while entering a Midtown Manhattan hotel for an investor event.

Mangione claimed he created components of the weapon used in the shooting via a 3D printer.

The incident intensified public discontent with the healthcare system, with some viewing Mangione as a symbol of dissent.

Conservative figures, including President Donald Trump, advocated for severe punishment, while supporters gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse.

A man outside the court shouted, “America loves Luigi,” as Thompson’s relatives departed in a convoy of black SUVs.

Jamie McDonald, the Manhattan U.S. attorney, stated his office would seek a life sentence.

“There can be no celebrity in assassination,” McDonald remarked.

Thompson’s family stated in a statement that the plea was an “important step toward justice.”

“We call on the court to ensure sentencing reflects the gravity of this crime,” the family added.

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