How many years could Luigi Mangione potentially get in prison? The 26-year-old indicted in UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder

Luigi Mangione, the man suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has been indicted in New York. Citing the unsealed indictment, CBS News on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, reported that Mangione was charged with eleven counts, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, in a press statement, explained:

"This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock, attention and intimidation. It occurred in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatening the safety of local residents and tourists alike, commuters and business people just starting out on their day."

Bragg revealed that Luigi Mangione was charged with a count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder (including one for killing in the act of terrorism).

Further, he is facing two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Bragg explained that if convicted, Mangione could get a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

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"This was a senseless act of violence"- NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch on criticizes netizens hailing Luigi Mangione's actions

Last week, Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania for fatally shooting Brian Thompson in Manhattan and fleeing. A McDonald's employee recognized him from photos released by the police. Initially a Manhattan court charged him with second-degree murder, three gun possession-related charges, and one charge of forgery.

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg elaborated on the terrorism charges, stating that Thompson's killing was "intended to evoke terror," adding that "we've seen that reaction."

Luigi Mangione is a former high school valedictorian and Ivy League graduate. Officials investigating the scene of Brian Thompson's murder found shell casings with the words "Deny," "Delay," and "Depose" written on them. They indicate the alleged terms insurance companies like United HealthCare use to deny claims.

The shooting has sparked a discourse on the condition of the health insurance industry in the United States. Several netizens have since criticized large corporations and specifically UnitedHealthcare, many even supposedly hailing Luigi Mangione's actions.

Referencing such responses, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, in her press statement, remarked:

"Let me be perfectly clear. In the nearly two weeks since Mr. Thompson's killing, we have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder. Social media has erupted with praise for this cowardly attack."

Tisch noted seeing posters with photos of CEOs with an "X" over Thompson's face (seemingly threatening the other CEOs). She continued:

"These are the threats of a lawless, violent mob who would trade in their own vigilanteism for the rule of law that protects us all. Let me say this plainly. There is no heroism in what Mangione did. This was a senseless act of violence."

Tisch called Luigi Mangione's crime "cold and calculated," adding that it "stole a life" and put "New Yorkers at risk." She asserted the people shouldn't "celebrate murders" or "ionize the killing of anyone." Tisch remarked that attempting to rationalize Luigi's actions was "vile, reckless, and offensive to our deeply-held principles of justice."

In addition to his charges in New York, Luigi Mangione is facing forgery and gun-related charges in Pennsylvania (stemming from the gun and fake ID in his possession at the time of his arrest). He is set to appear in court for the same on December 19, followed by an extradition hearing.

Mangione initially fought the extradition, but Bragg suggested that he (Mangione) had been considering waiving his extradition. Bragg asserted that his office was prepared regardless of the former's decision.

Luigi is currently detained at a Pennsylvania state prison. He recently retained Karen Friedman Agnifilo, former Manhattan assistant DA, to represent him.