LUIGI MANGIONE COULD FACE DEATH PENALTY

The accused murderer, Luigi Mangione, could be facing the death penalty if found guilty.

The 26-year-old is accused of shooting and killing Brian Thompson in New York last year. Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s insurance division.

Thompson was killed in broad daylight after he left his office. A manhunt was launched, and Mangione was arrested a few days later.

Now, US Attorney General Pamela Bondi has instructed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty.

Soon after the instruction was given, Mangione’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifio described the instruction as “barbaric”.

“While claiming to protect against murder, the federal government moves to commit the pre-meditated, state-sponsored murder of Luigi.”

There are currently two sets of charges against Mangione.

The first set is the New York state charges of murder as an act of terrorism and weapons offences. If found guilty, he could face life in prison without parole. New York state doesn’t have the death penalty for state charges.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty.

The other set is the one where the prosecutors will aim for the death penalty. If found guilty, a jury will determine whether to recommend the death penalty. This decision will have to be taken by a jury unanimously and the judge will have to impose it.

Mangione hasn’t been asked to enter a plea to the federal charges.

Image credit: NY1