Manhattan DA Seeks Early State Trial for Accused UnitedHealthcare CEO Killer

Prosecutors want Luigi Mangione's state trial to start in July, ahead of federal case.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:15pm

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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 his potential federal trial. 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

This high-profile case has sparked significant public interest and concern in New York City, as the murder occurred in a busy commercial area of Manhattan. The state is seeking to uphold the fundamental right to life and deliver justice for a crime committed within its jurisdiction as soon as possible.

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 if it remains an option. However, the Manhattan DA's office argues there are 'significant state interests' in putting Mangione on trial sooner. The state case is otherwise ready for trial, while the defense is still seeking to suppress evidence from Mangione's backpack, including the alleged murder weapon.

  • Mangione would stand trial in federal court in October 2026 if the death penalty is eliminated, or in January 2027 if it remains an option.
  • The Manhattan DA's office is requesting Mangione's state trial start on July 1, 2026.

The players

Luigi Mangione

The accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges.

Brian Thompson

The CEO of UnitedHealthcare 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.

Joel Seidemann

The assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DA's office who wrote the letter requesting the earlier state trial.

Gregory Carro

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

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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 in May on the defense's request to suppress evidence from Mangione's backpack. If the state trial is allowed to proceed first, jury selection is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026 in the federal case.

The takeaway

This high-profile murder case has sparked significant public interest and concern in New York City. The Manhattan DA's office is seeking to uphold the fundamental right to life and deliver justice for a crime committed within its jurisdiction as soon as possible, even if it means the state trial precedes the federal trial.