Mangione Withdraws Psychiatric Defense

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, abruptly withdrew his planned psychiatric defense in the state case just one day after signaling he would use it.

The reversal surprised the court and may reshape his upcoming trial.

Mangione faces charges of stalking and multiple state charges, including second-degree murder.

The decision not to assert a psychiatric defense came just a day after his lawyers had indicated they would pursue an emotional disturbance defense.