What Does Luigi Mangione’s Admission Mean for the New York Case?

Luigi Mangione's state trial for the Luigi Mangione's state trial for the murder of Brian Thompson had so much murder of Brian Thompson had so much murder of Brian Thompson had so much interest from media around the world interest from media around the world interest from media around the world that the seats were going to be limited that the seats were going to be limited that the seats were going to be limited to just 62 media outlets in the to just 62 media outlets in the to just 62 media outlets in the Manhattan courtroom. The team here at Manhattan courtroom. The team here at Manhattan courtroom. The team here at Crime Junkie had actually scored one of Crime Junkie had actually scored one of Crime Junkie had actually scored one of those seats. So, everyone in the media those seats. So, everyone in the media those seats. So, everyone in the media world, including me, had been gearing up world, including me, had been gearing up world, including me, had been gearing up for jury selection, which was supposed for jury selection, which was supposed for jury selection, which was supposed to start on September 8th, and it was to start on September 8th, and it was to start on September 8th, and it was sure to be a media circus. And then, sure to be a media circus. And then, sure to be a media circus. And then, boom. boom. boom. Out of nowhere, he took a plea deal in Out of nowhere, he took a plea deal in Out of nowhere, he took a plea deal in his other case, the federal one, for his other case, the federal one, for his other case, the federal one, for interstate stalking resulting in death, and he admitted that he shot in death, and he admitted that he shot United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. And I know what you're probably thinking And I know what you're probably thinking And I know what you're probably thinking here because many of you have asked me here because many of you have asked me here because many of you have asked me this. Why would he confess and take this this. Why would he confess and take this this. Why would he confess and take this plea deal? I mean, this man has been at plea deal? I mean, this man has been at plea deal? I mean, this man has been at the center of the free Luigi movement on the center of the free Luigi movement on the center of the free Luigi movement on the internet for well over a year now the internet for well over a year now the internet for well over a year now with thousands and thousands of with thousands and thousands of with thousands and thousands of supporters calling for his freedom supporters calling for his freedom supporters calling for his freedom despite the crime that he was accused despite the crime that he was accused despite the crime that he was accused of. of. of. But, there's definitely strategy in what But, there's definitely strategy in what But, there's definitely strategy in what he just did because taking a plea in the he just did because taking a plea in the he just did because taking a plea in the federal case, which was for interstate federal case, which was for interstate federal case, which was for interstate stalking resulting in death, threw a stalking resulting in death, threw a stalking resulting in death, threw a huge wrench into the state case for huge wrench into the state case for huge wrench into the state case for murder. I know, it is super complicated, murder. I know, it is super complicated, murder. I know, it is super complicated, so let me break it down for you. Crime so let me break it down for you. Crime so let me break it down for you. Crime Junkies, I'm Briana Whitney, and for Junkies, I'm Briana Whitney, and for Junkies, I'm Briana Whitney, and for this week's In the Headlines, we are this week's In the Headlines, we are this week's In the Headlines, we are diving into the Luigi Mangione case and diving into the Luigi Mangione case and diving into the Luigi Mangione case and what all these recent changes mean for what all these recent changes mean for what all these recent changes mean for how long he could be behind bars.

To start, we are going back to where To start, we are going back to where this all began on December 4th, 2024. this all began on December 4th, 2024. this all began on December 4th, 2024. It was pretty early in the morning, It was pretty early in the morning, It was pretty early in the morning, around 6:45 a.m., when authorities got a around 6:45 a.m., when authorities got a around 6:45 a.m., when authorities got a 911 call about a person shot outside the 911 call about a person shot outside the 911 call about a person shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel in New York Hilton Midtown Hotel in New York Hilton Midtown Hotel in Manhattan. The response time from first Manhattan. The response time from first Manhattan. The response time from first responders and officials was super fast. responders and officials was super fast. responders and officials was super fast. They got to the scene within 2 minutes They got to the scene within 2 minutes They got to the scene within 2 minutes according to ABC 7. according to ABC 7. according to ABC 7. And that's where they found a man on the And that's where they found a man on the And that's where they found a man on the ground. He had been shot and while they ground. He had been shot and while they ground. He had been shot and while they got him to the hospital quickly, he was got him to the hospital quickly, he was got him to the hospital quickly, he was pronounced dead about a half hour later. pronounced dead about a half hour later. pronounced dead about a half hour later. That man was Brian Thompson, CEO of mega That man was Brian Thompson, CEO of mega That man was Brian Thompson, CEO of mega health insurance company United health insurance company United health insurance company United Healthcare. Healthcare. Healthcare. He had been walking into an investors He had been walking into an investors He had been walking into an investors conference when he was ambushed. conference when he was ambushed. conference when he was ambushed. And not only had he just been killed in And not only had he just been killed in And not only had he just been killed in broad daylight, broad daylight, broad daylight, but his killer was on the loose in but his killer was on the loose in but his killer was on the loose in Manhattan. This was a worst case Manhattan. This was a worst case Manhattan. This was a worst case scenario. Like police had no idea what scenario. Like police had no idea what scenario. Like police had no idea what this person was capable of. It was a this person was capable of. It was a this person was capable of. It was a bustling morning in New York City, so bustling morning in New York City, so bustling morning in New York City, so people were literally everywhere and no people were literally everywhere and no people were literally everywhere and no one knew if there were other targets. So one knew if there were other targets. So one knew if there were other targets. So authorities launched an all-out manhunt authorities launched an all-out manhunt authorities launched an all-out manhunt aided by surveillance footage they aided by surveillance footage they aided by surveillance footage they located of the shooter lying in wait and located of the shooter lying in wait and located of the shooter lying in wait and pulling the trigger on Thompson multiple pulling the trigger on Thompson multiple pulling the trigger on Thompson multiple times before fleeing.

times before fleeing. times before fleeing. Police also revealed another bizarre and Police also revealed another bizarre and Police also revealed another bizarre and unique detail here. unique detail here. unique detail here. Three bullet casings found at the crime Three bullet casings found at the crime Three bullet casings found at the crime scene had words written on them. Deny, scene had words written on them. Deny, scene had words written on them. Deny, depose, and defend. Now speculation depose, and defend. Now speculation depose, and defend. Now speculation about what those words meant ran wild about what those words meant ran wild about what those words meant ran wild online as police worked to piece online as police worked to piece online as police worked to piece together where the killer was before and together where the killer was before and together where the killer was before and after the shooting. after the shooting. after the shooting. The NYPD released more pictures showing The NYPD released more pictures showing The NYPD released more pictures showing the person they believe to be the the person they believe to be the the person they believe to be the suspect checking into a New York City suspect checking into a New York City suspect checking into a New York City hostel days earlier with a fake New hostel days earlier with a fake New hostel days earlier with a fake New Jersey ID. Jersey ID. Jersey ID. And they were also able to find security And they were also able to find security And they were also able to find security footage of the suspect at a nearby footage of the suspect at a nearby footage of the suspect at a nearby Starbucks sometime before the shooting Starbucks sometime before the shooting Starbucks sometime before the shooting wearing a hoodie, a face mask, and what wearing a hoodie, a face mask, and what wearing a hoodie, a face mask, and what looked to be the same backpack from the looked to be the same backpack from the looked to be the same backpack from the shooting video. shooting video. shooting video. So the working theory was the suspect So the working theory was the suspect So the working theory was the suspect fled into Central Park after the fled into Central Park after the fled into Central Park after the shooting, then eventually got a taxi to shooting, then eventually got a taxi to shooting, then eventually got a taxi to the George Washington Bridge bus the George Washington Bridge bus the George Washington Bridge bus station, hopped on a bus, and fled the station, hopped on a bus, and fled the station, hopped on a bus, and fled the city. city. city. The more time that passed, the farther The more time that passed, the farther The more time that passed, the farther the search radius widened. And by days the search radius widened. And by days the search radius widened. And by days two and three, their suspect could have two and three, their suspect could have two and three, their suspect could have been literally anywhere. But wherever he been literally anywhere. But wherever he been literally anywhere. But wherever he went, hopes were high that someone would went, hopes were high that someone would went, hopes were high that someone would recognize him and call in because there recognize him and call in because there recognize him and call in because there was no escaping the media when it came was no escaping the media when it came was no escaping the media when it came to this case. I mean, this story was to this case. I mean, this story was to this case. I mean, this story was absolutely everywhere.

absolutely everywhere. absolutely everywhere. And on December 9th, so that's 5 days And on December 9th, so that's 5 days And on December 9th, so that's 5 days after the shooting, the call police were after the shooting, the call police were after the shooting, the call police were waiting for came. But not from friends waiting for came. But not from friends waiting for came. But not from friends or family of the suspect. It came from a or family of the suspect. It came from a or family of the suspect. It came from a manager of a McDonald's in the small manager of a McDonald's in the small manager of a McDonald's in the small city of Altoona, Pennsylvania. And city of Altoona, Pennsylvania. And city of Altoona, Pennsylvania. And we're going to play it for you. >> Clearfield 911, what is the address of >> Clearfield 911, what is the address of your emergency? your emergency? your emergency? >> Um it's not really an emergency. I just >> Um it's not really an emergency. I just >> Um it's not really an emergency. I just I'm a manager at Slinker Road McDonald's I'm a manager at Slinker Road McDonald's I'm a manager at Slinker Road McDonald's out here on the out here on the out here on the >> Boulevard? >> Boulevard? >> Boulevard? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And I have a customer here that some >> And I have a customer here that some >> And I have a customer here that some other customers were suspicious of that other customers were suspicious of that other customers were suspicious of that he looks like the CEO shooter in New he looks like the CEO shooter in New he looks like the CEO shooter in New York. York. York. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, they're just really upset and >> So, they're just really upset and >> So, they're just really upset and they're like coming to me and I was they're like coming to me and I was they're like coming to me and I was like, well, I can't approach them, you like, well, I can't approach them, you like, well, I can't approach them, you know? know? know? >> No, of course not. All right, honey, >> No, of course not. All right, honey, >> No, of course not. All right, honey, what's your name? Is this individual what's your name? Is this individual what's your name? Is this individual still there? still there? still there? >> Yes, he's still in the back of our lobby >> Yes, he's still in the back of our lobby >> Yes, he's still in the back of our lobby by the bathroom.

by the bathroom. by the bathroom. And I believe he's wearing Let me look And I believe he's wearing Let me look And I believe he's wearing Let me look back at my security camera. Yeah, I'm back at my security camera. Yeah, I'm back at my security camera. Yeah, I'm trying to sit out here like individual trying to sit out here like individual trying to sit out here like individual convos with my managers and like six convos with my managers and like six convos with my managers and like six customers walked up to me and I was customers walked up to me and I was customers walked up to me and I was like, like, like, Okay, guys, I think Okay, guys, I think Okay, guys, I think I'm like, I can't really do anything. I'm like, I can't really do anything. I'm like, I can't really do anything. But he's wearing a black sweater jacket But he's wearing a black sweater jacket But he's wearing a black sweater jacket with a medical mask with a medical mask with a medical mask and a tan khaki-colored like beanie. and a tan khaki-colored like beanie. and a tan khaki-colored like beanie. >> Okay, >> Okay, >> Okay, you said a black jacket. you said a black jacket. you said a black jacket. Uh-huh, a tan Uh-huh, a tan Uh-huh, a tan beanie. Okay. beanie. Okay. beanie. Okay. >> And like the blue >> And like the blue >> And like the blue medical mask. medical mask. medical mask. >> He has a >> He has a >> He has a beanie pulled down, so the only thing beanie pulled down, so the only thing beanie pulled down, so the only thing you can see is his eyebrows. Cuz I tried you can see is his eyebrows. Cuz I tried you can see is his eyebrows. Cuz I tried to Google it. I could try to calm them to Google it. I could try to calm them to Google it. I could try to calm them down a little bit. down a little bit. down a little bit. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> And I'm like, guys, it's kind of hard to >> And I'm like, guys, it's kind of hard to >> And I'm like, guys, it's kind of hard to tell with his eyes and his eyebrows. I'm tell with his eyes and his eyebrows. I'm tell with his eyes and his eyebrows. I'm like, I don't know what to do here, like, I don't know what to do here, like, I don't know what to do here, guys. guys. guys. >> Yeah, you're fine. You're fine. >> Yeah, you're fine. You're fine. >> Yeah, you're fine. You're fine. >> That manager, no doubt, did the right >> That manager, no doubt, did the right >> That manager, no doubt, did the right thing. Because authorities got to the thing. Because authorities got to the thing. Because authorities got to the McDonald's and searched the man's McDonald's and searched the man's McDonald's and searched the man's backpack. And what police officers found backpack. And what police officers found backpack. And what police officers found inside was chilling.

inside was chilling. inside was chilling. They pulled out a passport, a wallet, They pulled out a passport, a wallet, They pulled out a passport, a wallet, and a computer chip, but then discovered and a computer chip, but then discovered and a computer chip, but then discovered a ghost gun, a notebook filled with a ghost gun, a notebook filled with a ghost gun, a notebook filled with writings criticizing the healthcare writings criticizing the healthcare writings criticizing the healthcare industry, and a loaded gun magazine. The industry, and a loaded gun magazine. The industry, and a loaded gun magazine. The suspect was taken into custody and suspect was taken into custody and suspect was taken into custody and eventually charged both federally and by eventually charged both federally and by eventually charged both federally and by New York State, facing a slew of New York State, facing a slew of New York State, facing a slew of extremely serious charges, including extremely serious charges, including extremely serious charges, including interstate stalking and using a firearm interstate stalking and using a firearm interstate stalking and using a firearm to carry out a murder in federal court. to carry out a murder in federal court. to carry out a murder in federal court. And then in state court, he was charged And then in state court, he was charged And then in state court, he was charged not only with murder, but even not only with murder, but even not only with murder, but even terrorism. But once his name and mugshot terrorism. But once his name and mugshot terrorism. But once his name and mugshot went public, the whole temperature of went public, the whole temperature of went public, the whole temperature of the case shifted online. the case shifted online. the case shifted online. The suspect was identified as The suspect was identified as The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, an Ivy 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, an Ivy 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, an Ivy League grad from UPenn with no known League grad from UPenn with no known League grad from UPenn with no known criminal record at all. criminal record at all. criminal record at all. I don't know what the world was I don't know what the world was I don't know what the world was expecting, but this was not it. expecting, but this was not it. expecting, but this was not it. Well, there were conversations about his Well, there were conversations about his Well, there were conversations about his upbringing and seemingly bright future. upbringing and seemingly bright future. upbringing and seemingly bright future. What dominated, and I mean dominated the What dominated, and I mean dominated the What dominated, and I mean dominated the public discourse, were his looks.

public discourse, were his looks. public discourse, were his looks. Leave it to the internet. Leave it to the internet. Leave it to the internet. People were quick to find his social People were quick to find his social People were quick to find his social media pages and pictures and started media pages and pictures and started media pages and pictures and started posting about how good-looking he was. posting about how good-looking he was. posting about how good-looking he was. Like, that became the overwhelming topic Like, that became the overwhelming topic Like, that became the overwhelming topic of the conversation. I will never forget of the conversation. I will never forget of the conversation. I will never forget it. it. it. But while the public was distracted with But while the public was distracted with But while the public was distracted with the pictures, the police were focused on the pictures, the police were focused on the pictures, the police were focused on his writings. And on his Reddit page his writings. And on his Reddit page his writings. And on his Reddit page there was seemingly a clue into a there was seemingly a clue into a there was seemingly a clue into a possible motive. In some of his posts, possible motive. In some of his posts, possible motive. In some of his posts, he detailed a back injury and surgery he detailed a back injury and surgery he detailed a back injury and surgery that he had undergone the year before in that he had undergone the year before in that he had undergone the year before in 2023 after dealing with long-term 2023 after dealing with long-term 2023 after dealing with long-term chronic pain. And some of his posts were chronic pain. And some of his posts were chronic pain. And some of his posts were actually pretty positive about the actually pretty positive about the actually pretty positive about the recovery until about 6 months before the recovery until about 6 months before the recovery until about 6 months before the shooting. shooting. shooting. That's when the posts just stopped. He That's when the posts just stopped. He That's when the posts just stopped. He stopped posting on social media too and stopped posting on social media too and stopped posting on social media too and apparently loved ones stopped hearing apparently loved ones stopped hearing apparently loved ones stopped hearing from him as well according to the from him as well according to the from him as well according to the Associated Press. So, this must be it, Associated Press. So, this must be it, Associated Press. So, this must be it, right? Like something with his back, his right? Like something with his back, his right? Like something with his back, his experience with the health care system. experience with the health care system. experience with the health care system. I mean, all signs were pointing this I mean, all signs were pointing this I mean, all signs were pointing this way. The victim, the bullets, denied way. The victim, the bullets, denied way. The victim, the bullets, denied opposed defend, the writings in his opposed defend, the writings in his opposed defend, the writings in his backpack. With little more than this, backpack. With little more than this, backpack. With little more than this, the internet had him pegged. Luigi the internet had him pegged. Luigi the internet had him pegged. Luigi Mangione, the exceptionally attractive Mangione, the exceptionally attractive Mangione, the exceptionally attractive vigilante standing up to the big bad vigilante standing up to the big bad vigilante standing up to the big bad insurance industry that so many people insurance industry that so many people insurance industry that so many people struggle with. What was odd though is struggle with. What was odd though is struggle with. What was odd though is both United Healthcare and police both United Healthcare and police both United Healthcare and police confirmed after his arrest that Luigi confirmed after his arrest that Luigi confirmed after his arrest that Luigi Mangione never even had United Mangione never even had United Mangione never even had United Healthcare for his health insurance.

Healthcare for his health insurance. Healthcare for his health insurance. But, United Healthcare is the largest But, United Healthcare is the largest But, United Healthcare is the largest health insurer in the US, so maybe it health insurer in the US, so maybe it health insurer in the US, so maybe it was like symbolic. From here on out was like symbolic. From here on out was like symbolic. From here on out though, we almost never heard more about though, we almost never heard more about though, we almost never heard more about Brian Thompson, the man who was Brian Thompson, the man who was Brian Thompson, the man who was murdered. Even though he was a father murdered. Even though he was a father murdered. Even though he was a father and a husband, sympathy expressed for and a husband, sympathy expressed for and a husband, sympathy expressed for him, at least online, paled in him, at least online, paled in him, at least online, paled in comparison to the obsession with Luigi comparison to the obsession with Luigi comparison to the obsession with Luigi Mangione. Mangione. Mangione. It was and has been astounding to watch. It was and has been astounding to watch. It was and has been astounding to watch. Then began the roller coaster of Then began the roller coaster of Then began the roller coaster of hearings both in federal and state court hearings both in federal and state court hearings both in federal and state court that have played out in parallel. And I that have played out in parallel. And I that have played out in parallel. And I don't want to bore you guys with all the don't want to bore you guys with all the don't want to bore you guys with all the details, but there were some key moves details, but there were some key moves details, but there were some key moves from Luigi Mangione's defense team that from Luigi Mangione's defense team that from Luigi Mangione's defense team that have definitely played out in their have definitely played out in their have definitely played out in their favor and we have got to talk about it. favor and we have got to talk about it. favor and we have got to talk about it. So, in September of 2025, Mangione's So, in September of 2025, Mangione's So, in September of 2025, Mangione's defense team was successful in getting defense team was successful in getting defense team was successful in getting those state terrorism charges dropped. those state terrorism charges dropped. those state terrorism charges dropped. The judge ruled that Mangione didn't try The judge ruled that Mangione didn't try The judge ruled that Mangione didn't try to intimidate a civilian population or to intimidate a civilian population or to intimidate a civilian population or influence the government. And then they influence the government. And then they influence the government. And then they got another win in January of this year got another win in January of this year got another win in January of this year when the possibility of the death when the possibility of the death when the possibility of the death penalty was dropped in federal court. So penalty was dropped in federal court. So penalty was dropped in federal court. So after those two rulings of the like big after those two rulings of the like big after those two rulings of the like big big big charges left in this case, what big big charges left in this case, what big big charges left in this case, what was left on the table was an interstate was left on the table was an interstate was left on the table was an interstate stalking resulting in death charge that stalking resulting in death charge that stalking resulting in death charge that was in federal court. And then a was in federal court. And then a was in federal court. And then a second-degree murder charge in state second-degree murder charge in state second-degree murder charge in state court. But Mangione's attorneys had more court. But Mangione's attorneys had more court. But Mangione's attorneys had more up their sleeve. Something that could up their sleeve. Something that could up their sleeve. Something that could change everything for the murder trial.

change everything for the murder trial. change everything for the murder trial. They said the Pennsylvania police They said the Pennsylvania police They said the Pennsylvania police unlawfully searched and seized Luigi unlawfully searched and seized Luigi unlawfully searched and seized Luigi Mangione's backpack in that McDonald's Mangione's backpack in that McDonald's Mangione's backpack in that McDonald's without a warrant to do so. And without a warrant to do so. And without a warrant to do so. And therefore, none of what they found in it therefore, none of what they found in it therefore, none of what they found in it could be used as evidence in trial. I could be used as evidence in trial. I could be used as evidence in trial. I mean, that would be a large chunk of the mean, that would be a large chunk of the mean, that would be a large chunk of the evidence found against him. So if that evidence found against him. So if that evidence found against him. So if that wasn't allowed, a lot of people wondered wasn't allowed, a lot of people wondered wasn't allowed, a lot of people wondered if the prosecution really had a strong if the prosecution really had a strong if the prosecution really had a strong case anymore. But after months and case anymore. But after months and case anymore. But after months and multiple hearings about it, in May of multiple hearings about it, in May of multiple hearings about it, in May of this year, the judge made a ruling kind this year, the judge made a ruling kind this year, the judge made a ruling kind of down the middle. According to news of down the middle. According to news of down the middle. According to news outlets, he found the police officers outlets, he found the police officers outlets, he found the police officers did unlawfully search the backpack. That did unlawfully search the backpack. That did unlawfully search the backpack. That was no doubt a giant mistake. But there was no doubt a giant mistake. But there was no doubt a giant mistake. But there was another search of the backpack at was another search of the backpack at was another search of the backpack at the police station. And that search the police station. And that search the police station. And that search included the 3D printed gun or that included the 3D printed gun or that included the 3D printed gun or that ghost gun and his notebook that did ghost gun and his notebook that did ghost gun and his notebook that did follow protocol. So the judge ruled follow protocol. So the judge ruled follow protocol. So the judge ruled those specific items were allowed to those specific items were allowed to those specific items were allowed to stay in as evidence. Everything else stay in as evidence. Everything else stay in as evidence. Everything else though, the gun magazine, the cell though, the gun magazine, the cell though, the gun magazine, the cell phone, the wallet, passport, computer phone, the wallet, passport, computer phone, the wallet, passport, computer chip, that was all out. Got to go. Can't chip, that was all out. Got to go. Can't chip, that was all out. Got to go. Can't be used. Now, I told you this was a be used. Now, I told you this was a be used. Now, I told you this was a roller coaster. And buckle up because roller coaster. And buckle up because roller coaster. And buckle up because this is where it really starts to twist this is where it really starts to twist this is where it really starts to twist and turn even more. Because just as and turn even more. Because just as and turn even more. Because just as Mangione news was starting to die down Mangione news was starting to die down Mangione news was starting to die down knowing we'd have a few months before knowing we'd have a few months before knowing we'd have a few months before the state trial began, Mangione's the state trial began, Mangione's the state trial began, Mangione's defense team pulled something truly no defense team pulled something truly no defense team pulled something truly no one saw coming.

June 17th, 2026, there was a pre-trial June 17th, 2026, there was a pre-trial hearing in the state case. And out of hearing in the state case. And out of hearing in the state case. And out of nowhere, Mangione's attorney said they nowhere, Mangione's attorney said they nowhere, Mangione's attorney said they were planning to use a psychiatric were planning to use a psychiatric were planning to use a psychiatric defense in the case, now claiming that defense in the case, now claiming that defense in the case, now claiming that he suffered an extreme emotional he suffered an extreme emotional he suffered an extreme emotional disturbance when he shot Brian Thompson. disturbance when he shot Brian Thompson. disturbance when he shot Brian Thompson. But then, one day later, they're like, But then, one day later, they're like, But then, one day later, they're like, "Oh, never mind. We're just going to "Oh, never mind. We're just going to "Oh, never mind. We're just going to withdraw that." And in a one-sentence withdraw that." And in a one-sentence withdraw that." And in a one-sentence filing to the court, no less. filing to the court, no less. filing to the court, no less. We don't know what happened behind the We don't know what happened behind the We don't know what happened behind the scenes, but that was some strange scenes, but that was some strange scenes, but that was some strange whiplash, to say the least. And it whiplash, to say the least. And it whiplash, to say the least. And it brought into question something else. If brought into question something else. If brought into question something else. If the defense team was willing to say he the defense team was willing to say he the defense team was willing to say he had this extreme emotional disturbance had this extreme emotional disturbance had this extreme emotional disturbance when Thompson was shot and killed, when Thompson was shot and killed, when Thompson was shot and killed, wouldn't that mean Mangione's own wouldn't that mean Mangione's own wouldn't that mean Mangione's own defense team was admitting he did it? I defense team was admitting he did it? I defense team was admitting he did it? I mean, don't forget, he had pleaded not mean, don't forget, he had pleaded not mean, don't forget, he had pleaded not guilty to everything at this point. So, guilty to everything at this point. So, guilty to everything at this point. So, that seemed weird. that seemed weird. that seemed weird. But you know who it didn't phase? A But you know who it didn't phase? A But you know who it didn't phase? A group called the December 4th Committee, group called the December 4th Committee, group called the December 4th Committee, that had raised nearly 1.6 million that had raised nearly 1.6 million that had raised nearly 1.6 million dollars for Luigi Mangione's defense dollars for Luigi Mangione's defense dollars for Luigi Mangione's defense fund. That group, which is full of fund. That group, which is full of fund. That group, which is full of volunteers and activists, has been volunteers and activists, has been volunteers and activists, has been pushing for something called jury pushing for something called jury pushing for something called jury nullification. And I asked jury nullification. And I asked jury nullification. And I asked jury consultant David Barnard what exactly consultant David Barnard what exactly consultant David Barnard what exactly that means.

that means. that means. Another Another Another odd aspect of this case has been a group odd aspect of this case has been a group odd aspect of this case has been a group with large momentum trying to fight for with large momentum trying to fight for with large momentum trying to fight for jury nullification. jury nullification. jury nullification. And I'd like you, if you could, to just And I'd like you, if you could, to just And I'd like you, if you could, to just explain what is jury nullification and explain what is jury nullification and explain what is jury nullification and and how does that work, or how would and how does that work, or how would and how does that work, or how would that work in this case? that work in this case? that work in this case? >> Absolutely. Jury nullification is a >> Absolutely. Jury nullification is a >> Absolutely. Jury nullification is a major risk for the prosecution. major risk for the prosecution. major risk for the prosecution. Jury nullification is essentially when a Jury nullification is essentially when a Jury nullification is essentially when a when a juror or jurors on the panel when a juror or jurors on the panel when a juror or jurors on the panel decide that they are not going to follow decide that they are not going to follow decide that they are not going to follow the law. They're going to render a the law. They're going to render a the law. They're going to render a verdict that they feel is the right verdict that they feel is the right verdict that they feel is the right verdict according to them, but goes verdict according to them, but goes verdict according to them, but goes against their duty as jurors and what against their duty as jurors and what against their duty as jurors and what the judges judge instructs them to do in the judges judge instructs them to do in the judges judge instructs them to do in how they reach their determination. Now, how they reach their determination. Now, how they reach their determination. Now, in most cases, jurors absolutely will in most cases, jurors absolutely will in most cases, jurors absolutely will follow the law, but if they feel that follow the law, but if they feel that follow the law, but if they feel that they have a moral obligation to render a they have a moral obligation to render a they have a moral obligation to render a verdict that differs from their legal verdict that differs from their legal verdict that differs from their legal obligation, jury nullification is where obligation, jury nullification is where obligation, jury nullification is where where jurors elect to do that instead. where jurors elect to do that instead. where jurors elect to do that instead. And obviously, that's a major risk in And obviously, that's a major risk in And obviously, that's a major risk in this case, and it would be those jurors this case, and it would be those jurors this case, and it would be those jurors that the prosecution is most worried that the prosecution is most worried that the prosecution is most worried about.

about. about. >> You think that's a major concern here in >> You think that's a major concern here in >> You think that's a major concern here in this case? this case? this case? >> It is a concern for the prosecution. >> It is a concern for the prosecution. >> It is a concern for the prosecution. However, I do want to say that while However, I do want to say that while However, I do want to say that while there is obviously a risk of that in there is obviously a risk of that in there is obviously a risk of that in this case, and we have seen in the this case, and we have seen in the this case, and we have seen in the public arena the the strongly held public arena the the strongly held public arena the the strongly held beliefs and and views that people have, beliefs and and views that people have, beliefs and and views that people have, what happens in the social media sphere what happens in the social media sphere what happens in the social media sphere is very different than what happens in is very different than what happens in is very different than what happens in the courtroom. In the social media the courtroom. In the social media the courtroom. In the social media sphere, it's very abstract. And and as sphere, it's very abstract. And and as sphere, it's very abstract. And and as we've said, the victim here has not we've said, the victim here has not we've said, the victim here has not gotten the level of attention or even gotten the level of attention or even gotten the level of attention or even sympathy that one would expect in the sympathy that one would expect in the sympathy that one would expect in the media. However, once jurors actually go media. However, once jurors actually go media. However, once jurors actually go into the courtroom, they're going to be into the courtroom, they're going to be into the courtroom, they're going to be confronted by the fact that this was a confronted by the fact that this was a confronted by the fact that this was a real person, there was a real human toll real person, there was a real human toll real person, there was a real human toll to what happened here. He was a He was a to what happened here. He was a He was a to what happened here. He was a He was a man, he had a family, and there is a man, he had a family, and there is a man, he had a family, and there is a true victim here. Jurors will be true victim here. Jurors will be true victim here. Jurors will be confronted with that when they are confronted with that when they are confronted with that when they are making their decisions. So, while I making their decisions. So, while I making their decisions. So, while I think there is a risk of jury think there is a risk of jury think there is a risk of jury nullification, and that is is something nullification, and that is is something nullification, and that is is something that they need to consider, that they need to consider, that they need to consider, it's a different world when they it's a different world when they it's a different world when they actually when the jurors actually step actually when the jurors actually step actually when the jurors actually step into the courtroom. into the courtroom. into the courtroom. >> For that reason, choosing the jury for >> For that reason, choosing the jury for >> For that reason, choosing the jury for the upcoming state trial was going to be the upcoming state trial was going to be the upcoming state trial was going to be a painstakingly important process for a painstakingly important process for a painstakingly important process for both sides. I mean, they needed to be both sides. I mean, they needed to be both sides. I mean, they needed to be sure to weed out anybody with an agenda, sure to weed out anybody with an agenda, sure to weed out anybody with an agenda, who didn't already have a bias. And that who didn't already have a bias. And that who didn't already have a bias. And that is hard to do with a case this big. Jury is hard to do with a case this big. Jury is hard to do with a case this big. Jury selection for the state murder trial was selection for the state murder trial was selection for the state murder trial was supposed to start on September 8th, and supposed to start on September 8th, and supposed to start on September 8th, and then the federal trial for stalking was then the federal trial for stalking was then the federal trial for stalking was set to begin in January 2027.

set to begin in January 2027. set to begin in January 2027. But, we probably all should have known But, we probably all should have known But, we probably all should have known the ride was not over based on the ups the ride was not over based on the ups the ride was not over based on the ups and downs that we have already seen. And and downs that we have already seen. And and downs that we have already seen. And that brings us to the now. that brings us to the now. that brings us to the now. Friday, August 14th, 2026, Luigi Friday, August 14th, 2026, Luigi Friday, August 14th, 2026, Luigi Manjione and his team did a 180 yet Manjione and his team did a 180 yet Manjione and his team did a 180 yet again. He pleaded guilty in federal again. He pleaded guilty in federal again. He pleaded guilty in federal court to interstate stalking that court to interstate stalking that court to interstate stalking that resulted in death. And details of why resulted in death. And details of why resulted in death. And details of why and how he did it, like the details that and how he did it, like the details that and how he did it, like the details that the internet and the legal analysts had the internet and the legal analysts had the internet and the legal analysts had been pontificating on for quite been pontificating on for quite been pontificating on for quite literally a year and a half now, he literally a year and a half now, he literally a year and a half now, he finally revealed them in his own words. finally revealed them in his own words. finally revealed them in his own words. Now, none of this was on camera because Now, none of this was on camera because Now, none of this was on camera because federal court doesn't allow any cameras. federal court doesn't allow any cameras. federal court doesn't allow any cameras. It's why you always see like sketches of It's why you always see like sketches of It's why you always see like sketches of suspects from federal hearings. But, suspects from federal hearings. But, suspects from federal hearings. But, both the DOJ and media networks reported both the DOJ and media networks reported both the DOJ and media networks reported back what he said. Luigi Manjione told back what he said. Luigi Manjione told back what he said. Luigi Manjione told the judge, "I quote, I shot Mr. Thompson the judge, "I quote, I shot Mr. Thompson the judge, "I quote, I shot Mr. Thompson and he died. I knew what I was doing was and he died. I knew what I was doing was and he died. I knew what I was doing was illegal." But, this wasn't just a illegal." But, this wasn't just a illegal." But, this wasn't just a happenstance meeting or a last-minute happenstance meeting or a last-minute happenstance meeting or a last-minute ambush. It was far more calculated than ambush. It was far more calculated than ambush. It was far more calculated than we, the public, ever realized.

we, the public, ever realized. we, the public, ever realized. Manjione said he actually posed as a Manjione said he actually posed as a Manjione said he actually posed as a potential investor with billions of potential investor with billions of potential investor with billions of dollars and emailed United Healthcare to dollars and emailed United Healthcare to dollars and emailed United Healthcare to get the exact location of the investor's get the exact location of the investor's get the exact location of the investor's conference. So, he knew when and where conference. So, he knew when and where conference. So, he knew when and where Brian Thompson would be. Brian Thompson would be. Brian Thompson would be. And he actually noted that posing as a And he actually noted that posing as a And he actually noted that posing as a billionaire, he got a response back from billionaire, he got a response back from billionaire, he got a response back from the company within about an hour, which the company within about an hour, which the company within about an hour, which was a far cry from the responses, or was a far cry from the responses, or was a far cry from the responses, or lack thereof, he got back when dealing lack thereof, he got back when dealing lack thereof, he got back when dealing with his back injury as a patient in the with his back injury as a patient in the with his back injury as a patient in the broader healthcare insurance system. broader healthcare insurance system. broader healthcare insurance system. That was his motive for the shooting. He That was his motive for the shooting. He That was his motive for the shooting. He said he saw others having major said he saw others having major said he saw others having major challenges navigating the healthcare challenges navigating the healthcare challenges navigating the healthcare system, too. Not just him, and he was system, too. Not just him, and he was system, too. Not just him, and he was fed up. Now, here is where things get fed up. Now, here is where things get fed up. Now, here is where things get really legally twisty. really legally twisty. really legally twisty. Right after Luigi Manjione pleaded Right after Luigi Manjione pleaded Right after Luigi Manjione pleaded guilty to the federal charge, his guilty to the federal charge, his guilty to the federal charge, his attorneys filed a motion to have the attorneys filed a motion to have the attorneys filed a motion to have the state trial dismissed, aka the murder state trial dismissed, aka the murder state trial dismissed, aka the murder trial that was supposed to be starting trial that was supposed to be starting trial that was supposed to be starting like right now. like right now. like right now. Now his team is saying it would be Now his team is saying it would be Now his team is saying it would be double jeopardy to try him for the double jeopardy to try him for the double jeopardy to try him for the murder charge after he already pleaded murder charge after he already pleaded murder charge after he already pleaded guilty in federal court. Which guilty in federal court. Which guilty in federal court. Which admittedly I was like, how exactly is admittedly I was like, how exactly is admittedly I was like, how exactly is that a thing? I mean, they are different that a thing? I mean, they are different that a thing? I mean, they are different charges. In full transparency, I didn't charges. In full transparency, I didn't charges. In full transparency, I didn't even understand it either. Well, turns even understand it either. Well, turns even understand it either. Well, turns out it actually all has to do with New out it actually all has to do with New out it actually all has to do with New York itself and a statute that York itself and a statute that York itself and a statute that determines what is evil. No, I am not determines what is evil. No, I am not determines what is evil. No, I am not making that up. That is the real making that up. That is the real making that up. That is the real wording. I interviewed New York trial wording. I interviewed New York trial wording. I interviewed New York trial lawyer Mark Zauderer about it so he lawyer Mark Zauderer about it so he lawyer Mark Zauderer about it so he could explain to all of us what is could explain to all of us what is could explain to all of us what is actually going on. And he told me in a

actually going on. And he told me in a actually going on. And he told me in a New York statute specifically, you can't New York statute specifically, you can't New York statute specifically, you can't be prosecuted for the same act twice be prosecuted for the same act twice be prosecuted for the same act twice unless they have substantially different unless they have substantially different unless they have substantially different elements and are preventing very elements and are preventing very elements and are preventing very different kinds of, quote, harm or evil. different kinds of, quote, harm or evil. different kinds of, quote, harm or evil. In this case, he said both the In this case, he said both the In this case, he said both the interstate stalking resulting in a death interstate stalking resulting in a death interstate stalking resulting in a death charge and the murder charge deal with charge and the murder charge deal with charge and the murder charge deal with taking a human life. taking a human life. taking a human life. >> So in my view, that each of the offenses >> So in my view, that each of the offenses >> So in my view, that each of the offenses has the same purpose or evil. Evil's the has the same purpose or evil. Evil's the has the same purpose or evil. Evil's the word, you don't see the word evil in word, you don't see the word evil in word, you don't see the word evil in most statutes, but we know it when we most statutes, but we know it when we most statutes, but we know it when we see it. So in my view, it's likely that see it. So in my view, it's likely that see it. So in my view, it's likely that a court would ultimately find that the a court would ultimately find that the a court would ultimately find that the federal conviction to which Menchaca federal conviction to which Menchaca federal conviction to which Menchaca pleaded guilty, pleaded guilty, pleaded guilty, which was stalking leading to death, had which was stalking leading to death, had which was stalking leading to death, had the same purpose as the state statute the same purpose as the state statute the same purpose as the state statute for which he's now would be prosecuted for which he's now would be prosecuted for which he's now would be prosecuted for, which is murder, which is taking a for, which is murder, which is taking a for, which is murder, which is taking a human life. human life. human life. So that's how I see it. So that's how I see it. So that's how I see it. Uh I respect the fact that others might Uh I respect the fact that others might Uh I respect the fact that others might disagree and we'll have to see what the disagree and we'll have to see what the disagree and we'll have to see what the courts do. But I hope that for your courts do. But I hope that for your courts do. But I hope that for your listeners, you know, at least gives it listeners, you know, at least gives it listeners, you know, at least gives it some clarity.

some clarity. some clarity. >> Okay, that did at least help me >> Okay, that did at least help me >> Okay, that did at least help me understand not every state has that understand not every state has that understand not every state has that loophole. Like the defense team is loophole. Like the defense team is loophole. Like the defense team is pretty lucky this is unfolding in New pretty lucky this is unfolding in New pretty lucky this is unfolding in New York with that statute. So, York with that statute. So, York with that statute. So, now what? now what? now what? Well, the trial has been put on hold Well, the trial has been put on hold Well, the trial has been put on hold until December 10th. For now, that is a until December 10th. For now, that is a until December 10th. For now, that is a very tentative date. Mangione's team is very tentative date. Mangione's team is very tentative date. Mangione's team is waiting for the Manhattan DA's office to waiting for the Manhattan DA's office to waiting for the Manhattan DA's office to respond to their motion to dismiss, and respond to their motion to dismiss, and respond to their motion to dismiss, and the judge gave prosecutors until October the judge gave prosecutors until October the judge gave prosecutors until October 9th to do that. So, basically everything 9th to do that. So, basically everything 9th to do that. So, basically everything is up in the air except federal is up in the air except federal is up in the air except federal sentencing. The prosecution is seeking sentencing. The prosecution is seeking sentencing. The prosecution is seeking life in prison, but the federal life in prison, but the federal life in prison, but the federal guidelines actually recommend a prison guidelines actually recommend a prison guidelines actually recommend a prison term of 24 to 30 years for that stalking term of 24 to 30 years for that stalking term of 24 to 30 years for that stalking charge. That sentencing is also set for charge. That sentencing is also set for charge. That sentencing is also set for December 18th. Yes, there is somehow a December 18th. Yes, there is somehow a December 18th. Yes, there is somehow a potential here to have his federal potential here to have his federal potential here to have his federal sentencing and his state trial happening sentencing and his state trial happening sentencing and his state trial happening at the same time. All during the at the same time. All during the at the same time. All during the holidays, which would be wild. Bottom holidays, which would be wild. Bottom holidays, which would be wild. Bottom line, could Luigi Mangione still get line, could Luigi Mangione still get line, could Luigi Mangione still get life in prison for killing Brian life in prison for killing Brian life in prison for killing Brian Thompson? Absolutely. But could he also Thompson? Absolutely. But could he also Thompson? Absolutely. But could he also face as little as 24 years behind bars?

face as little as 24 years behind bars? face as little as 24 years behind bars? That is now possible from this plea That is now possible from this plea That is now possible from this plea deal, too, if the state trial gets deal, too, if the state trial gets deal, too, if the state trial gets dismissed. A big difference for a man as dismissed. A big difference for a man as dismissed. A big difference for a man as young as Luigi Mangione, who is now 28 young as Luigi Mangione, who is now 28 young as Luigi Mangione, who is now 28 years old. His fate is now in the hands years old. His fate is now in the hands years old. His fate is now in the hands of two judges with major decisions to of two judges with major decisions to of two judges with major decisions to make before the end of 2026. make before the end of 2026. make before the end of 2026. Crime Junkies, I hope that helped Crime Junkies, I hope that helped Crime Junkies, I hope that helped explain all of your questions about this explain all of your questions about this explain all of your questions about this case, and we will definitely keep you case, and we will definitely keep you case, and we will definitely keep you updated on what happens next as this all updated on what happens next as this all updated on what happens next as this all unfolds in the next couple months. Not unfolds in the next couple months. Not unfolds in the next couple months. Not only just here on YouTube, but also on only just here on YouTube, but also on only just here on YouTube, but also on all of our CJ social media pages. Make all of our CJ social media pages. Make all of our CJ social media pages. Make sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon for additional updates on this potential for additional updates on this potential for additional updates on this potential trial and other cases our team covers. trial and other cases our team covers. trial and other cases our team covers. Crime Junkie is an Audiochuck Crime Junkie is an Audiochuck Crime Junkie is an Audiochuck production. production. production. I think Chuck would approve.