Luigi Mangione missed his scheduled Manhattan state court appearance Tuesday morning because of a paperwork error. Mangione was due at court in relation to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. But when judge Gregory Carro took the bench shortly after 10am, he announced: “Unfortunately, the defendant will not be produced today, no fault of this court.”
Prosecutor Takes Blame
Carro told prosecutors they could explain why this happened if they wanted to make a record. “It’s on us,” prosecutor Joel Seidemann said. Seidemann said that while they got paperwork signed that would allow Mangione to be transported to court from jail, they did not deliver it as required. Mangione is now scheduled to be in court on Wednesday.
Charges and Pleas
Mangione faces state and federal charges in Thompson’s 4 December 2024 killing on a New York City street. He has pleaded not guilty in both court cases. Thompson’s slaying on a midtown street spurred a sprawling manhunt while also releasing an upswell of public outrage against the for-profit US healthcare system.
Supporters Present
Several dozen Mangione supporters attended court. One woman near the back of the court could be seen manipulating a set of white prayer beads. She was mouthing words, with her eyes closed, as if in invocation. Several Mangione supporters who secured press credentials under New York City’s controversial credentialing process were also present.
State Case Details
Mangione faces nine counts in his state court case, including second-degree murder. The trial in this case is scheduled for 8 September. Mangione’s last state court proceeding, which was for the state charges, was mired in secrecy. Judge Gregory Carro, who is overseeing Mangione’s state case, held sealed proceedings over press objections and the judge and his staff refused to hear press entreaties for access.
Federal Charges
In the federal case, Mangione faces stalking charges. One charge alleges that he “traveled across state lines via an interstate bus line for the purpose of stalking and killing Brian Thompson”. Another stalking charge, which cites “use of interstate facilities”, alleges that Mangione used a “cell phone, interstate wires, interstate highways, a hostel that serves interstate customers, and the Internet” to plot Thompson’s murder.
