The uncle of slain UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson wants Luigi Mangione to get “what he deserves” – life in prison – after the confessed killer pleaded guilty to federal charges on Friday.
Bruce Thompson, brother of the murdered healthcare executive’s father, told The Times of London that the family hopes the judge throws the book at Mangione, 28, when he’s sentenced on two federal stalking counts that each carry a potential life sentence.
“I hope he gets what he deserves,” Bruce told the outlet.
“There’s still a lot of legal hassle we have to go through,” the 79-year-old uncle added. “We’ll see what December 18 brings — we hope he gets the max.”
The Thompson family, several of whom were in court Friday including the victim’s weeping widow Paulette, found out several days ago that a plea deal was coming.
However, “seeing it actually happen…it’s been an overwhelming morning,” Bruce said of Mangione’s confession to the cold-blooded assassination of the 50-year-old dad of two over grudges about the healthcare industry.
Mangione matter-of-factly told the judge “On the morning of December 4, 2024, I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan, and he died,” during Friday’s hearing.
“When I did so, I understood that my actions would place him in fear of death or serious bodily injury,” Mangione said. “I knew what I was doing was illegal.”
The grieving uncle said he was “glad to hear him say it” just weeks before jury selection in Mangione’s state case was slated to begin, where he’s charged with second-degree murder and illegal weapons possession.
“It’s been a happy and a sad morning,” Bruce said. “At least this part is over. It’s a relief. It’s a relief.”
The Manhattan US Attorney’s Office said it will urge the judge to send Mangione to prison for the rest of his life when he is sentenced.
“Mangione attempted to send a public message through violence,” said Jamie McDonald, the head of the Southern District of New York, in a press conference on the courthouse steps.
“But the message that emerges today is very different: violence is not a legitimate instrument to promote any political or social message,” McDonald said. “Those who resort to violence in an effort to advance their beliefs will be prosecuted, convicted, and put in jail.”
In a Friday statement, the Thompson family said that the Mangione’s “guilty plea marks an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family.
“While nothing will ease the pain of losing him, we are grateful that the federal justice system has held the person responsible for this heinous act accountable,” the statement said.
“Now we look to the court to ensure that sentencing reflects the severity of this crime. We remain mindful that additional proceedings in New York and Pennsylvania are still to come, and we will continue to seek the justice Brian deserves.”
The fate of Mangione’s state case was not immediately clear Friday after his lawyers filed a motion to dismiss on the grounds of “double jeopardy,” in which a person cannot be convicted twice for the same crime.
“It was a single tragic event, yet he’s being persecuted twice for the same conduct,” Mangione’s defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo told reporters outside the courthouse.
However, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office urged the state judge to move forward with the trial.
“While federal sentencing is pending, we are prepared to litigate the defense motions,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“The Manhattan D.A.’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for Mr. Thompson and his family.”
Mangione could end up serving any state sentence consecutive to his federal one and faces life in prison on the state charges.
