Manhattan DA Seeks Early State Trial for Accused CEO Killer

Prosecutors want Luigi Mangione to face state charges first before federal case

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:47pm

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The Manhattan District Attorney's office is requesting that accused killer Luigi Mangione stand trial in state court starting on July 1, at least three months before he could face federal charges. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges related to the assassination-style killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan in December 2024.

Why it matters

The DA's office argues there are "significant state interests" in putting Mangione on trial sooner, as the crime occurred in the heart of Manhattan and caused widespread fear and shock. Prosecutors also want to ensure a speedy resolution of the state case before the federal trial potentially takes place.

The details

Federal judge Margaret Garnett has said Mangione would stand trial in federal court in October if the death penalty is eliminated, or in January 2027 otherwise. The state judge, Gregory Carro, is currently weighing a defense request to suppress evidence found in Mangione's backpack. Prosecutors say the state case is otherwise ready for trial.

  • Mangione is set to stand trial in federal court in October 2026 or January 2027.
  • The state trial is requested to begin on July 1, 2026.

The players

Luigi Mangione

The accused killer who has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges related to the assassination-style killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Brian Thompson

The UnitedHealthcare CEO who was killed in an assassination-style attack in Manhattan in December 2024.

Margaret Garnett

The federal judge overseeing Mangione's federal trial, who has set jury selection for September 8, 2026.

Gregory Carro

The state judge presiding over Mangione's case, who is currently weighing a defense request to suppress evidence.

Joel Seidemann

The assistant district attorney arguing for the state trial to proceed first.

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What they’re saying

“This heinous crime happened in midtown Manhattan, one of the busiest commercial areas in this County and spread fear and shock throughout Manhattan. New York State unquestionably has a deep interest in, upholding the fundamental right to life, maintaining public order, and delivering justice for a murder committed in its jurisdiction.”

— Joel Seidemann, Assistant District Attorney

“Federal law supports our request that we proceed first and our right to a speedy resolution of this case would be severely compromised should the federal trial proceed first.”

— Joel Seidemann, Assistant District Attorney

What’s next

Judge Gregory Carro is expected to rule on the defense's request to suppress evidence in May 2026. If the state trial is allowed to proceed first, jury selection is set to begin on July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex jurisdictional issues that can arise when a high-profile crime occurs, with both state and federal prosecutors seeking to bring charges. The Manhattan DA's push for an earlier state trial reflects their belief that New York has a strong interest in delivering justice for this murder committed within its borders.