U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett threw out the murder and weapons charges over legal technicalities in a surprise ruling in January 2026. The decision eliminated the possibility that Mangione would face the death penalty in the federal case, though he still faces a possible sentence of life without parole if convicted on the remaining stalking charges.

His federal trial was most recently set for January.

Mangione separately pleaded not guilty in December 2024 to state terrorism, murder, weapons and forgery charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The terrorism charges were thrown out by a judge in September 2025.

A trial in that case is scheduled for September 8 before Justice Gregory Carro in Manhattan. Mangione would face 25 years to life in prison if convicted of second-degree murder.

Resolving the federal case could allow Mangione to seek dismissal of the murder charge under New York’s double jeopardy law, which protects people from being prosecuted twice for the same conduct. Bragg’s office would oppose the move, arguing that the murder charge is legally distinct from the federal charges.

Whoever loses would likely seek an emergency appeal.

Thompson led UnitedHealth Group’s insurance unit before he was shot dead in the early morning of December 4, 2024, outside a hotel where an investor conference was taking place.

Graphic footage of the killing and a five-day manhunt for a suspect made the case a media fixture and social media sensation. Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania.