The feds have now charged the UnitedHealthcare CEO suspect. Could he soon face the death penalty?

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Federal charges – which will be brought by prosecutors from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, according to The New York Times – would potentially allow prosecutors to pursue the death penalty should Mangione, 26, ultimately be found guilty of murder, capital punishment having been outlawed in New York for decades. open image in gallery A court sketch shows Luigi Mangione being led out of Pennsylvania court after waiving his right to an extradition hearing Earlier this week, the suspect was formally indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on three murder charges over the attack on Thompson, 50, who was shot dead outside of the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4 by a masked assailant armed with a handgun who had lain in wait for him. open image in gallery Luigi Mangione leaves Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, on Thursday December 19 2024 “The state case will proceed in parallel with any federal case,” said Danielle Filson, a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. “We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.” open image in gallery Officers stand outside the federal courthouse in Manhattan, where Luigi Mangioni is set to be arraigned on charges including murder The suspect’s supporters continue to donate generously to a “defense” fund set up on his behalf after he became a problematic folk hero to some during his flight from justice.