Accused killer Luigi Mangione sparked a circus in Manhattan court — appearing in a bulletproof vest before a crowd of twisted young female admirers — as a judge denied his attempt to delay his murder case Friday.
The 26-year-old alleged assassin of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson wore a black vest over a green cableknit sweater — his arms and legs shackled together — as his lawyer tried in vain to delay the filing of “motions” while federal prosecutors decide whether to pursue the death penalty against him.
“They’re still deciding whether to seek the death penalty of Mr. Mangione,”attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo said. “That’s where our focus is.”
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro rejected Agnifilo’s request and set a deadline of April 9 for the defense to file its court papers, with the District Attorney’s Office getting until April 14 to respond.
The hearing unfolded in front of a courthouse gallery overwhelmingly filled with female supporters of Mangione.
Loud cheers for the accused killer from demonstrators on the sidewalk outside were audible in the courtroom.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
