A state court hearing revealed Luigi Mangione's lawyers will argue that he was suffering from an extreme emotional disturbance when he allegedly killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City in December 2024.

Mangione was in a New York City courtroom Wednesday morning for a hearing regarding his state murder case. He also faces a federal trial.

Mangione could be convicted of the less serious charge of manslaughter rather than murder if a jury finds that he was emotionally disturbed.   

One of his attorneys, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, was a CNN legal analyst before she was retained. In December 2024, she said it looked like a psychiatric defense could be a possibility for Mangione.

"The evidence is going to be so overwhelming that he did what he did," she previously said.  

"Conceding that he is the person who pulled the trigger"

By asserting this defense, Mangione would effectively admit to killing Thompson, but because of mitigating circumstances. 

"It seems like they are giving up the question of who did it," said legal expert Richard Schoenstein. "This is a defense when you are conceding that he is the person who pulled the trigger. You're not fighting that anymore. You're turning from if and who to why. This is now a why defense."

Schoenstein said this is not an insanity defense, which usually seeks complete absolation for the crime. 

Judge Gregory Carro announced that he is unsealing court records related to the defense's plan, which was filed in September. 

Mangione's next court date is Aug. 11. 

Possession of a weapon charge dismissed

Prosecutors said they are not moving forward with count nine of the indictment, which was criminal possession of a weapon. 

This charge involved the magazine that was suppressed by the court. 

That charge was formally dismissed Wednesday.

Mangione faces federal and state charges

Wednesday's hearing was supposed to happen Tuesday, but it was delayed at the last minute due to a mistake by the prosecution. Prosecutors said they did not serve the order for Mangione to appear in court, leading to the rescheduling.     

"Mistakes happen. People make mistakes," defense attorney Karen Agnifilo said after appearing in court Tuesday.   

Mangione is being tried on federal and state charges for the shooting death of Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. He pleaded not guilty in both cases.

Mangione's state trial is set to begin on Sept. 8.

Jury selection for Mangione's federal interstate stalking trial is scheduled to start on Oct. 5. Opening statements are expected on either Oct. 26 or Nov. 2.