Judge Dismisses Two Counts in Luigi Mangione State Indictment

Lead: A New York state judge on September 16, 2025, dismissed two criminal counts against Luigi Mangione in the December 2024 slaying of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson-dropping a terrorism enhancement and a weapons-possession charge.

Nut Graf: Justice Gregory Carro’s ruling at Manhattan Criminal Court narrows the state case against Mangione, who still faces nine remaining counts including first-degree murder. The decision highlights the defense’s arguments over double jeopardy as Mangione confronts parallel state and federal prosecutions.

Details of Tuesday’s Ruling

Justice Carro found that prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence to sustain:

  • Murder in the first degree as a terrorist act
  • One weapons-possession offense

Both counts were therefore removed from the state indictment, though charges of first-degree murder, criminal facilitation and other weapon offenses remain.

Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty in both jurisdictions. His defense contends that simultaneous state and federal trials violate his constitutional protection against double jeopardy. Prosecutors maintain each case pursues distinct legal theories: state charges for terrorizing the public and federal charges seeking the death penalty for stalking and killing across state lines.

Next Steps

No trial dates have yet been set in state or federal court. Mangione’s attorneys have indicated they may seek expedited rulings on pretrial motions or further suppression hearings. Federal proceedings are not scheduled to begin until 2026, allowing state matters to take potential priority.

Background on the Case

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024, during a UnitedHealthcare investor conference. Mangione was arrested five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a nationwide manhunt and remains held in federal custody in Brooklyn. Public reaction has been sharply divided between condemnation of the killing and support for Mangione’s stated grievances against the U.S. healthcare system.