Luigi Mangione's CEO murder case raises concerns activist jurors may ignore evidence

Luigi Mangione, a suspected assassin, will be appearing in a New York criminal court for a hearing related to state murder and terrorism charges. The case revolves around the assassination-style killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan.

Thompson, a father of two and a married man, was allegedly stalked by the 26-year-old Mangione, who is accused of shooting him in the back outside a shareholder conference in what authorities describe as a calculated and premeditated act.

Despite the serious allegations against him, Mangione’s supporters emphasize that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law. However, the strong backing he has received raises concerns about potential jury nullification, where jurors base their verdict on personal beliefs rather than legal evidence.

“Jury selection is going to be critical in Mangione’s case,” said Edwina Elcox, a Boise-based defense attorney whose former clients have included the so-called “Cult Mom” Lori Vallow. “He is viewed as a modern-day Robin Hood.”

Federal prosecutors allege he stalked the victim, arrived in New York City a week in advance and scouted his surroundings. Police allegedly found his DNA and fingerprints near the crime scene and say he had a gun linked to the murder in his backpack when he was arrested days later.

The NYPD released a still image from surveillance video, showing him pulling his coronavirus mask down and smiling while flirting with a clerk at the check-in of the Manhattan hostel where police say he stayed for the murder. It went viral and immediately attracted a wave of support online for the accused killer.

Luigi Mangione

Luigi Mangione shouts while officers restrain him as he arrives for his extradition hearing at Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. (David Dee Delgado for Fox News Digital)

Police said they allegedly recovered the suspected murder weapon, a 3D-printed suppressor and the same fake ID used to check into the New York hostel upon Mangione’s arrest. 

The group behind his defense fundraiser, the self-titled December 4 Legal Committee, describes itself as “a team of 15 volunteers around the United States” that was “created independently by Mangione’s supporters on his behalf.” Two of its spokespersons, Sam Beard and Jamie Peck, also host a podcast “about communism and gossip” called “Party Girls.”

A Monday hearing in the Pennsylvania case has been postponed as he awaits trial on more serious charges in New York and in federal court, which could result in a sentence of life in prison without parole or death, respectively. 

Fox News’ Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.

You May Also Like
'Elon Derangement Syndrome' Gets Taken Up a Notch As Leftists Launch Site Targeting Tesla Owners

“DNC Chairman’s Remarks Spark Concerns Over Potential Violence Towards Tesla”

Approaching the three-month mark since the formation of the Department of Government…
Canada's PM Carney vows to ‘fight’ Trump’s tariffs, other world leaders weigh impact

Canadian Prime Minister Carney pledges to ‘battle’ against Trump’s tariffs, while other global leaders assess the consequences

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed determination on Wednesday to combat the…
2 Jewish students file lawsuit against Chicago's DePaul University for negligence after Lincoln Park campus attack

Lawsuit Filed by 2 Jewish Students Against DePaul University for Negligence Following Attack on Lincoln Park Campus

CHICAGO (WLS) — Max Long and Michael Kaminsky were blindsided in an…
Trump administration deports 100K illegal migrants since inauguration: report

Report: 100,000 illegal immigrants deported by Trump administration since taking office

The Trump administration has deported more than 100,000 illegal migrants in the…
Tourist vanishes after leaving Utah airport to backpack in mountains

Tourist goes missing after leaving Utah airport to hike in mountains

Authorities in Utah are searching for a missing tourist visiting from Finland…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announces Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel Quezada for 35th Ward alderman pick

“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Endorses Anthony Joel Quezada for 35th Ward Alderman”

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson has chosen Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel…
7 Shows Like ‘Reacher’ If You Want More Handsome Loners Involved In Crime Capers

7 TV Series Similar to ‘Reacher’ for Fans of Charming Solitary Investigators in Criminal Adventures

Surprised by the intense Season 3 conclusion of Reacher? The climactic fight…
Karen Read jury selection: Dozens in pool already have an opinion on the case

“Karen Reviewing Jury Selection: Many Candidates Already Formed Opinions on the Case”

Jury selection began on Tuesday for the second trial of Karen Read,…
Covenant School trans shooter plotted Nashville attack for years, kept notebooks with plans: final report

“Final Report: Shooter at Covenant School Had Been Planning Nashville Attack for Years and Kept Detailed Notebooks with Plans”

A homemade shirt made by Audrey Hale and found in her bedroom.…
Travis Kelce reacts to brother Jason and Kylie's baby news as NFL star becomes an uncle for fourth time

NFL Star Travis Kelce Responds to Brother Jason and Kylie’s Baby Announcement, Welcomes Fourth Niece or Nephew

Travis Kelce has broken his silence on the birth of his fourth…
Wednesday Morning Minute: Happy Liberation Day!

A Quick Update on Wednesday Morning: Celebrating Liberation Day!

TOP O’ THE MORNIN’ Red-Hot at RedState  Emotions cannot effectively govern a…
Illegal immigrant who allegedly escaped Colorado ICE site during power outage captured on bus

Undocumented migrant reportedly caught after fleeing Colorado ICE facility during power loss

The second illegal immigrant who allegedly escaped from a Colorado detention center…