Luigi Mangione won’t face death penalty after US judge dismisses murder charge

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Associated PressJanuary 30, 2026 at 06:13 PM

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A US District Judge has ruled that Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed a federal murder charge, citing a technical flaw that prevented prosecutors from seeking capital punishment. The dismissed charge required the killing to occur during another "crime of violence," which stalking, the remaining charge, does not qualify as. While a gun charge was also dismissed, stalking charges remain, carrying a potential life sentence. The judge did rule that evidence collected from Mangione's backpack during his arrest, including a handgun and a notebook detailing his intent to harm an insurance executive, can be used in the trial.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 40% United States 60% UnitedHealthcare 60% Brian Thompson ×270% Margaret Garnett ×380% Luigi Mangione ×690%

Keywords

death penalty 100% murder charge 80% stalking charges 70% luigi mangione 70% brian thompson 60% federal prosecutors 60% crime of violence 50% court ruling 50% gun charge 40% legal precedents 40%