( NewsNation ) — Prosecutors in New York announced they are charging UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect Luigi Mangione with first-degree murder and killing as an act of terrorism , which comes with a penalty of up to life in prison.
But could Mangione face the death penalty ?
Mangione, 26, is charged with the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was on his way to an investor meeting when he was shot outside of a Manhattan hotel. Police have described the crime as “brazen” and targeted, with bullets engraved with the words “deny” “defend” and “depose.”
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Authorities launched a manhunt for the suspect, releasing photos taken from surveillance footage around New York. Mangione was eventually arrested at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.
New York abolished the death penalty in 2004 and even before that, the last execution in the state took place in 1963.
In order to face the death penalty , Mangione would have to be charged federally, which isn’t likely for a murder charge.