NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare’s CEO outside a New York City hotel is unlikely to make another appearance in Manhattan federal court until mid-February, as prosecutors and defense lawyers requested more time to prepare for trial.
In a letter to the court on Monday, both sides agreed to extend the deadline for bringing an indictment against Luigi Mangione from January 18 to February 17. Mangione, 26, currently faces charges in a criminal complaint, which is filed against individuals before an indictment is returned.
Prosecutors and defense counsel determined that the extension was necessary to ensure adequate preparation for pretrial proceedings and the trial itself. Both parties declined to provide further comments on the case.
The unique aspect of this case lies in the potential for the death penalty, as at least one charge carries this possibility. The decision on pursuing the death penalty rests with the Justice Department in Washington, where new leadership will be ushered in with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in the coming weeks.
According to authorities, Mangione allegedly shot Brian Thompson on December 4 as Thompson was en route to an investor conference in midtown Manhattan. The incident sent shockwaves through the business community and drew attention from critics of health insurance practices. Mangione had documented his struggles with back pain online, despite not being a UnitedHealthcare client.
Federal charges against Mangione include murder and firearms counts. He appeared in court last month for the initial hearing and will not be required to enter a plea until the indictment is issued.
In a separate legal proceeding, Mangione has pleaded not guilty in a New York state court to multiple murder charges, including murder as an act of terrorism. Prosecutors anticipate that the state case will progress independently and proceed to trial first. His next state court appearance is scheduled for February 21, with the possibility of a life sentence without parole for the state charges.
Following a five-day search, Mangione was apprehended on December 9 at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. He is currently detained in a Brooklyn federal jail alongside several other notable defendants, including Sean “Diddy” Combs and cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried.
