Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will assert a psychiatric defense at his state murder trial, according to a judge’s ruling. Mangione’s lawyers will attempt to show that he was suffering from extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the occurrence.

Psychiatric Defense Explained

By asserting a psychiatric defense, Mangione would effectively be admitting that he killed Thompson but did so because of mitigating circumstances. If a jury finds that Mangione was emotionally disturbed at the time of the killing, it could convict him of manslaughter instead of murder, resulting in less prison time.

Mangione, 28, has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges in the December 4, 2024, killing. His federal trial, which involves stalking charges, is set to begin on October 13. Thompson, 50, was killed as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference.

Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.