© Sipa USA
(New York, NY) – There is still no trial date set after the latest court appearance of the alleged CEO killer, Luigi Mangione. The 26-year-old Ivy league graduate is accused of shooting United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson on the streets of Midtown Manhattan in December. He has pleaded not guilty to state charges of murder and weapons possession. He is also facing federal charges with an enhanced charge of terrorism, which makes him eligible to face the death penalty, despite capital punishment being outlawed in New York State.
Outside the courthouse on Friday, crowds gathered in support of Mangione, who has developed a cult following of people who say they are fed up with the healthcare system. The website raising money for Mangione’s legal defense fund has raked in more than half a million dollars in donations.
Inside the courthouse, attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilio filed to dismiss evidence that was gathered when Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She also claims that her client’s right to a fair trial is being hampered by the spotlight on the case. She cites a recent HBO documentary that features Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD chief of detectives discussing evidence and theories surrounding the case. Agnifilio says the defense team was never provided with copies of an alleged “manifesto” that was referenced in the movie. The defense must have their pre-trial motions in by April 9th, and prosecutors must respond by May 14.
