U.S. judge rules out death penalty for Luigi Mangione over UnitedHealthcare CEO murder

U.S. judge dismisses death penalty for Luigi Mangione in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case, citing legal incompatibility of charges.

A New York ​federal judge on Friday (January 30, 2026) dismissed murder ‌and weapons charges ​against alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione, a major blow to prosecutors that means Mangione no longer faces a possible death penalty if convicted.

Mangione, ​27, previously pleaded not ⁠guilty to murder, weapons and stalking charges for allegedly gunning down the ​CEO of UnitedHealthcare ⁠in Midtown Manhattan in 2024. Public officials condemned the shocking killing, but Mr. Mangione became ‌a folk hero of sorts ‌to some Americans who decry steep healthcare costs and ‍insurance practices.

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U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett in ‍Manhattan said she dismissed the murder and weapons charges because they were legally incompatible with the two counts of stalking Mangione faces. Ms. Garnett previously scheduled jury selection to begin in ⁠the case in September.

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Mr. Mangione has separately pleaded not guilty ​to murder, weapons and forgery charges ⁠in Manhattan state court. No trial date has been set.