Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York City hotel and leading police on a five-day manhunt appeared in court Friday.
During Friday’s hearing, prosecutors and Mangione's defence lawyers provided updates on the status of the case.
Hordes of fans gathered inside the courtroom and outside on the street after the hearing concluded. “We the people want Luigi free!” they shouted.
Mangione, who has become a cult hero to some since the killing, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism.
Earlier this month, Mangione accepted almost $300,000 R5,5 million) from his fans who helped raise funds for his legal defence.
The 26-year-old was seen in the courtroom in a green cable knit sweater over a white shirt. He was transported into the courtroom wearing shackles on his arms and legs, and a bulletproof vest for safety measures.
Mangione's attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo objected when the prosecution moved to set trial preparations in motion. The attorney noted her priority remains on the separate federal murder case where Mangione faces the death penalty if convicted.
Agnifilo claims the defence team has yet to receive police paperwork from New York including detective reports. The attorney also expressed shock that one NYPD official and Mayor Eric Adams appeared on an HBO documentary on his case, saying his right to a fair trial has been "infringed upon."
Should Mangione be found guilty, he could potentially face a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Currently, he is being held in a federal prison in Brooklyn.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News