Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, got stuck in a courthouse elevator, causing a hearing to start late. The hearing ultimately resulted in the delay of his federal trial until January.
Federal Trial Delayed
The trial, which was initially set to begin in the fall, has been postponed to allow Mangione’s lawyers to focus on his state murder trial, scheduled to start on September 8. U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett made the decision, citing the difficulty of moving forward with jury selection while Mangione and his counsel are occupied with the state case.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges in the December 4, 2024, killing of Thompson. He could face life in prison if convicted in either case. Mangione’s federal charges allege that he traveled across state lines to stalk and kill Thompson, using various means such as a cellphone, the internet, and interstate highways.
Supporters of Mangione, who has become a cause célèbre for those upset with the health insurance industry, were present in the courtroom. An online fundraiser for his legal defense fund has raised over $1.5 million.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
