A judge has appointed a death penalty expert to the defense team of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson.
WHY IT MATTERS: The appointment of Avraham Markowitz suggests that federal prosecutors are seriously considering seeking the death penalty against Mangione, though it’s not yet confirmed.
Luigi’s defense team welcomed the appointment saying they’re pleased to have the help. “The charges could not be more serious and our client needs every resource at his disposal to fight these unprecedented charges.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Federal prosecutors have not yet said publicly if they intend to seek death penalty charges against Luigi.
Luigi has been charged with crimes in New York, Pennsylvania (where he was captured), and in federal court. The federal charge of “murder through a use of a firearm” allows for the death penalty to be used.
In federal cases, prosecutors do not have to declare their intent to seek the death penalty immediately. The decision follows a formal review process within the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney General makes the final call.
Typically, this decision is announced several months to a year after charges are filed.
Trump’s newly confirmed Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has not yet commented on the matter.
Luigi is currently being held in jail in Brooklyn, and is due back in court next week.
