By The Daily Caller (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-14 17:21:50 | Updated at 2026-08-14 19:15:56
3 hours ago
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Friday.
Mangione told the court that he “shot Mr. Thompson and he died,” adding that he “knew what [he was doing was illegal.” Mangione previously pleaded not guilty in both the federal and state cases against him.
The alleged killer’s state trial is due to start in September, where he will face charges of second-degree murder, criminal possession of a forged instrument, and criminal possession of a weapon. (RELATED: Luigi Mangione Reportedly Poised To Move Forward With Extreme Emotional Disturbance Defense)
Mangione’s defense is arguing that by pleading guilty to the federal charge of stalking resulting in death, he is in effect admitting to murdering Thompson. Because of this, the defense is aiming for the state murder case to be dismissed under the double jeopardy standard, since he had already been found guilty of the federal charge.
Capital punishment was taken off the table after Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed two counts of the federal indictment in January. Mangione could still face life in prison, however.
Mangione’s sentencing is set for December 18.
