Luigi Mangione, 28, the defendant accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, withdrew his planned extreme emotional disturbance defense in his state murder trial on June 14, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Mangione’s legal team sent a letter to Manhattan state court Judge Gregory Carro one day after the judge publicly revealed Mangione’s intent to use the defense strategy [1, 2, 3, 5]. Under New York state law, such a defense could reduce a charge of second-degree murder to first-degree manslaughter, lowering the potential sentence from 25 years to life down to a range of 5 to 25 years [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside a Manhattan hotel in December 2024 by Mangione [1, 4, 5]. In January 2026, federal murder and weapon charges against Mangione were dismissed, though he still faces federal stalking charges with potential life imprisonment without parole [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The federal trial is expected early next year and lacks an emotional disturbance defense equivalent [1, 2, 3, 5].

Judge Carro ruled in May that most evidence, including a handgun, loaded magazines, and a notebook detailing killing plans, could be admitted at the state trial, while excluding some personal digital devices [1, 2, 3]. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all state and federal charges [1, 2, 3, 4].

Legal analysts note withdrawing the defense could be a tactical choice to avoid admitting guilt in state court, which might affect the federal case. Maryland attorney Randolph Rice said, "He might have had a change of heart and said, 'Wait a second, I'm going into state court. I'm admitting that I did this. How is this going to play when I'm facing even more serious charges in federal court in January of next year?'" [5] Criminal defense attorney James Leonard added, "They are basically telling the jury that Mangione committed the murder, but here is why he did it and, because of this, you should nullify his guilt. If the jury accepts that, it would be an epic win for the defense team. If the jury rejects that, it would likely mean that Mangione will spend the rest of his life behind bars." [5]

Withdrawing the emotional disturbance defense means related sealed documents, emails, and depositions will remain confidential [1, 2, 3].

The state trial in Manhattan on second-degree murder, illegal weapons possession, and other charges is scheduled to begin in September 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4].