In a federal court in New York, Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.

The 28-year-old was accused of shooting dead UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street in December 2024. He arrived wearing a beige prison uniform with a white T-shirt underneath. His feet were shackled and he held his hands behind his back, although US marshals had not handcuffed him.

The courtroom was packed with press, supporters of Mangione, observers, and a handful of court staff members who had won a lottery to attend. In the front row seated behind the prosecution were Thompson's family members, who at times appeared visibly emotional.

The hearing had been scheduled to begin at 11:00, but started slightly later. Mangione conferred with his lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo, reviewing papers. Friedman Agnifilo told the judge: "Mr Mangione is prepared to plead guilty at this time."

Judge Margaret Garnett asked Mangione a series of questions to ensure he understood the decision he was about to make. She asked him about his background and use of medications. He answered tersely but firmly. Asked if he understood that he could face life in prison - he replied, "yes".

When he began to read a statement to the court, Mangione appeared to falter. His speech was rushed and somewhat mumbled. After Judge Garnett politely suggested he lean into the microphone, he continued steadily until he reached his conclusion: an admission that he had killed Thompson.

Mangione told the court that after years of enduring severe pains from a broken back and dealing with the healthcare insurance industry, he had learned UnitedHealthcare would hold an annual conference in Manhattan in December 2024. He researched online and emailed the company posing as an investor to learn more about the event. "Unlike previous interactions with insurance" he got a quick reply, he said.

He told the court he used a 3D printer to make a gun. And on the morning of 4 December 2024, Mangione confessed: "I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan and he died."

"Mr Mangione, how do you now plead?" Judge Garnett asked. Mangione leaned into the microphone and stated: "Guilty." "I will accept your guilty plea," the judge said.

Members of Thompson's family were emotional as he issued the admission for the first time. In a statement shortly after, they said the day marked an important step toward justice.

Mangione is scheduled to be sentenced on 18 December. The maximum sentence for each of the two stalking charges is life in prison. Prosecutors have recommended Mangione serve between 24-30 years in prison. But ultimately Judge Garnett will decide his sentence.

His trial on separate state charges stemming from the murder is still scheduled to begin in September.