Federal judge rules Luigi Mangione will not face death penalty

A federal judge says federal prosecutors can’t seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Judge Margaret Garnett's Friday ruling foiled the Trump administration’s bid to see Mangione executed. Garnett dismissed a federal murder charge against Mangione, finding it technically flawed. She left in place stalking charges that could carry a life sentence. In a win for prosecutors, Garnett also ruled prosecutors can use evidence collected from his backpack during his arrest, including a 9 mm handgun and a notebook in which authorities say Mangione described his intent to “wack” an insurance executive. At a hearing Friday, Garnett says a trial will start Sept. 8 unless the government appeals.