Supporters erupted in cheers outside a New York City courthouse as a judge dismissed the most serious charges against Luigi Mangione. The terrorism-related murder charges were dropped, but Mangione still faces two second-degree murder charges.
A supporter expressed disappointment that Mangione wasn’t fully exonerated, saying, “In my perfect world he would’ve said I’m not guilty and he would’ve left but that’s not how the world works right?”
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Mangione faces a string of charges surrounding the shooting death of United Healthcare President Brian Thompson, however, Judge Gregory Carro ruled that charging Mangione with terrorism was legally insufficient. “While the defendant was clearly expressing an animus toward United Health Care and the health care industry generally, it does not follow that his goal was to intimidate and coerce a civilian population, and indeed, there was no evidence of such a goal,” the judge wrote in his opinion.
Legal analyst Tom Maronick, who is not involved in the case, said, “It’s a very good day for Luigi Mangione, that’s for sure.” He added, “I’m not surprised. I thought the ruling made sense. I’m not surprised that prosecutors attempted to go off the terrorism charges. I thought it was overreach but it’s not surprising to see prosecutors put that out.”
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The dismissal means Mangione no longer faces the prospect of life without parole. The second-degree murder charges carry a parolable sentence of 25 years to life. Maronick noted, “To go from an offense that carries life to one that carries 25 to life that’s a very good result for Luigi Mangione.”
Despite the victory in state court, Mangione faces a second trial in federal court. If convicted on federal firearms charges, he could face the death penalty.