Luigi Mangione Avoids Federal Death Penalty After Judge’s Ruling

A federal judge has ruled that the death penalty is no longer a possibility for Luigi Mangione, delivering a major legal victory for the defense.

Prosecutors had argued that the stalking charges against Mangione should qualify as a “crime of violence.” That designation was crucial because, under federal law, a crime of violence is required before prosecutors can even pursue a federal murder charge.

The judge rejected that argument, ruling that stalking does not meet the legal definition of a crime of violence. As a result, Mangione cannot be charged with murder in the federal case. The most serious charge he now faces at the federal level is stalking, which carries a maximum possible sentence of life in prison without parole.

Mangione is still facing a separate murder charge in New York state court. However, New York does not have the death penalty, meaning execution is not an option in that case either.

While the defense scored a major win on the death penalty issue, prosecutors also had success in court. The judge ruled that evidence found in Mangione’s backpack is admissible at trial. Defense attorneys had argued the items should be excluded because federal agents did not have a search warrant.

Because of the ruling, jurors will be allowed to see the gun recovered from the backpack, along with Mangione’s diary. Prosecutors have described the diary as resembling a manifesto.

The case now moves forward with the most severe federal penalties off the table, but with key physical and written evidence remaining in play for prosecutors.