DA Seeks July Trial for Luigi Mangione's State Murder Case

Federal trial slated for fall as prosecutors race to try case first

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Manhattan prosecutors are urging a judge to set a July trial date for Luigi Mangione's state murder case in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, two months before jury selection in his federal death penalty case. The state trial hasn't been scheduled yet, but prosecutors argue they have an 'overriding interest' in trying Mangione first due to legal precedent and the risk of double jeopardy if the federal trial happens first.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal maneuvering between state and federal prosecutors as they race to try Mangione first. The outcome could impact whether Mangione faces state murder charges or only federal charges, which carry the possibility of the death penalty.

The details

Mangione, a 27-year-old Ivy League graduate, is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 as Thompson walked to a business conference. Prosecutors say evidence like a 9mm handgun and a notebook describing plans to 'wack' a health insurance executive connect Mangione to the crime. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal murder charges.

  • On December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson was killed in Manhattan.
  • Five days later, Mangione was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
  • In September 2025, a judge threw out state terrorism charges but kept the rest of the case.
  • On May 18, 2026, a judge is expected to rule on a defense request to exclude certain evidence.
  • Jury selection in Mangione's federal trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026.

The players

Luigi Mangione

A 27-year-old Ivy League graduate from a wealthy Maryland family, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Brian Thompson

The 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare who was killed in Manhattan in December 2024.

Joel Seidemann

An assistant district attorney in Manhattan who is urging the judge to set a July trial date for Mangione's state murder case.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo

Mangione's lawyer, who called the DA's request for a July state trial 'unrealistic' due to the need to prepare for the federal trial.

Judge Gregory Carro

The judge overseeing Mangione's state murder case, who is expected to rule on a defense request to exclude certain evidence on May 18.

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What they’re saying

“It is entirely natural then that the state case would proceed to trial prior to the federal case.”

— Joel Seidemann, Assistant District Attorney

“The state's interests 'would be unfairly prejudiced by an unnecessary delay' until after the federal trial.”

— Joel Seidemann, Assistant District Attorney

“The district attorney's request for a July state trial is 'unrealistic.' The defense will need the rest of the year to prepare for the federal trial.”

— Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangione's Lawyer

What’s next

The judge in the state case will decide on May 18 whether to exclude certain evidence that prosecutors say connects Mangione to the killing. Jury selection in Mangione's federal trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal maneuvering between state and federal prosecutors as they race to try Mangione first, with the outcome potentially impacting whether he faces state murder charges or only federal charges carrying the possibility of the death penalty.