Mangione lawyers abandon psychiatric defense over health CEO’s killing

Luigi Mangione's legal team has dramatically withdrawn their intention to pursue a psychiatric defense in his state trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The reversal came just a day after lawyers informed the judge they would argue Mangione, 28, was experiencing an "extreme emotional disturbance" when he fatally shot Thompson on December 4, 2024.

Mangione's lawyers were facing a deadline to provide prosecutors with evidence supporting the emotional disturbance claim. Judge Gregory Carro had stated that prosecutors needed to understand the specific "malady" and how it triggered such a disturbance. However, in a letter to the judge, defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo formally withdrew the notice required for such a defense under New York law.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges. His state trial is scheduled to commence on September 8, followed by his federal trial on stalking charges on October 13. An "extreme emotional disturbance" defense, if pursued, would have acknowledged Mangione killed Thompson but argued mitigating circumstances, potentially leading to a manslaughter conviction instead of murder, which carries a life sentence.

Separately, a transcript from a secret hearing on June 3 was unsealed by Judge Carro. During a hearing on Wednesday, Friedman Agnifilo had argued against unsealing materials related to the psychiatric defense, citing potential prejudice to Mangione's federal case where such a defense is not permitted. An emotional disturbance defense is distinct from an insanity defense, which could lead to commitment to a psychiatric facility rather than prison.

Thompson, 50, was killed while walking to a Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Group's annual investor conference. Surveillance footage captured a masked gunman shooting him from behind. Investigators noted that the ammunition used bore the words "delay," "deny," and "depose," phrases associated with insurance claim denials. Mangione, from a prominent Maryland family, was apprehended five days later in Pennsylvania. A previous ruling allows prosecutors to use a 3D-printed gun and a notebook as evidence against him, as they reportedly link Mangione to the killing.