
Luigi Mangione's federal guilty plea has triggered a new legal battle: can New York state still put him on trial?In this episode, Jordan Dunbar speaks to former assistant district attorney Gary Galperin and defence attorney Todd Spodek about the defence's attempt to dismiss the state case using New York's double jeopardy laws.They explain what Mangione admitted to in federal court, why his lawyers may have chosen this moment to plead guilty, and why legal experts disagree over whether the state prosecution can continue.The discussion also examines what happens if the double jeopardy motion fails, whether a jury trial is still likely, and what the defence could realistically argue given Mangione's admissions in court.
Aug 25
30 min

Along with an update on the latest developments in the Mangione case, in this episode Jordan Dunbar explores the idea of "pretty privilege" and the role appearance may play in shaping public perception, media attention and even courtroom outcomes.Through interviews with a criminal defence attorney and BBC journalists, the episode examines whether attractiveness can influence how defendants are viewed by jurors and the public. The discussion unpacks first impressions, bias and decision-making, while exploring research into how physical appearance can affect perceptions of people's trustworthiness, intelligence and guilt.The programme also looks beyond the courtroom to examine global debates around beauty standards, social media and image culture, including the intense reaction to the Mangione case in Brazil. Through this episode Jordan asks whether "pretty privilege" is a real social advantage, or a far more complicated phenomenon.
Aug 18
29 min

Luigi Mangione appears in federal court to plead guilty to killing health insurance CEO Brian Thompson. Jordan Dunbar has the latest developments after a last minute hearing was called in New York. We find out more about at what happened in court, what the reaction has been and discuss what happens next.Mangione still faces charges at state level, so what impact does Mangione's change in plea mean for the upcoming state trial?
Aug 14
18 min

Since the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the case against Luigi Mangione has become about more than just the evidence that will be tested in court. Across politics, social media and the news media, competing groups have sought to frame the story through their own lens, linking it to debates about left-wing violence, Antifa, healthcare, political extremism and public anger at powerful institutions.In this episode, BBC journalist and extremism expert Mike Wendling helps untangle the claims, examining what terms such as "far left" and "Antifa" actually mean, why some commentators have associated them with the case, and what evidence exists about Mangione's political views. The episode also explores how a high-profile criminal case can become a political symbol, even when the facts are disputed and a trial has yet to take place.Host Jordan Dunbar also looks at parallels from Japan following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, asking how public reactions to shocking acts of violence can evolve into wider debates about social grievances, political division and systemic change.Luigi Mangione denies all charges against him. So how did a murder case become a culture war, and what happens when politics starts shaping the story before a jury hears the evidence?
Aug 11
27 min

Jordan Dunbar will be back with new episodes dropping from tomorrow leading up to trial, looking at issues surrounding the Luigi Mangione case.
Aug 10
1 min

Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur was fatally shot on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada prosecutors are preparing for the trial of the only person ever charged in connection with the rapper’s death.
Duane “Keffe D” Davis has pleaded not guilty to murder and denies the allegations against him.
But Keffe D is not accused of firing the fatal shots. So how can prosecutors seek to convict him of murder? And why was he arrested in 2023, decades after investigators first suspected he was in the car?
Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Fame under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent break down everything you need to know before the trial. Could Suge Knight testify? Could Sean “Diddy” Combs be drawn into the case?
For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial Anoushka will be in the Las Vegas courtroom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing.If you enjoy this episode, you can find more episodes of Fame Under Fire on BBC Sounds. If you’re outside the UK, you can listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your BBC podcasts.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Louise Clarke
Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith
Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza
Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross
Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas
Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards
Aug 6
25 min

Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a federal judge has ruled.
US District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal firearms charges against Mangione. These had carried the possibility of the death penalty.
Judge Garnett left in place charges against Mangione that can still bring a maximum punishment of life in prison. She has given the US government 30 days to challenge her decision.Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.This podcast takes a step back to unpick the facts and conspiracies, and we'll explain what happens in court. If you have heard of a claim you want us to fact check, or a question for us to tackle, email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp: 0330 678 33 63
Jan 30
21 min

A marathon three weeks of pre-trial hearing has just ended in Luigi Mangione’s New York state trial - what have we learnt?The defence have been arguing over what evidence should be kept out of the upcoming state trial for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan in December 2024.This includes statements made to the police during Mangione’s arrest, items found on him and in his backpack.Judge Carro will decide what will be shown to the jury when the trial is eventually scheduled which could have big implications for the case.Jordan Dunbar is joined from New York by Terri Austin former trial attorney and Matthew Lee Senior Reporter at Inner City Press to discuss the key moments in the case and what new information has come to light.In addition to the New York state criminal proceedings, Mangione also faces federal murder charges, which could lead to the death penalty.Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.This podcast takes a step back to unpick the facts and conspiracies, and we'll explain what happens in court. If you have heard of a claim you want us to fact check, or a question for us to tackle, email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp: 0330 678 33 63
Dec 19, 2025
20 min

This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates.
A judge in New York state has dismissed two terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
However, Judge Gregory Carro ruled a charge of second-degree murder against Mangione could stand.
The judge also rejected the defence team's request to delay the state trial until the conclusion of Mangione's federal trial.During the hearing on Tuesday the judge ruled that trial hearings would begin on 1 December.
In addition to the New York state criminal proceedings, Mangione also faces federal murder charges, which could lead to the death penalty.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Jordan Dunbar provides a full update on today’s hearing, and other developments in the case.Got a claim you want us to fact check? Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp: +44 330 678 33 63You can watch this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4dqQA7wr_EnhoqLNVKsFBtE
Sep 16, 2025
11 min

A deep dive into the supporters of Luigi Mangione, featuring some exclusive new data, and considering how this case might be influencing US social attitudes to political violence.
BBC World Service Disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield joins us to discuss why some people around the world have taken to this case so passionately.
We’re also joined by Joel Finkelstein, from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) and Ioana Literat, a communications specialist from Columbia University Teacher’s College.
While the murder may have taken place in the US, the reaction was truly global.
Some of the posts and opinions normally associated with the extremes of the internet moved into the mainstream with some people on TikTok, Instagram and X getting involved.
From healthcare reform to anti-capitalist sentiment, the reasons behind the online support toward murder suspect Luigi Mangione are incredibly varied.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of murder, firearms offences and stalking. The 27-year-old may face two trials, as he has also pleaded not guilty to state charges for murder.
The Mangione Trial podcast takes a step back to unpick and understand the facts and conspiracies surrounding this case. We explore why this story has engrossed so many different people around the world and bring you major news updates as they happen.
Got a claim you want us to fact check? Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp: +44 330 678 33 63
If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4dqQA7wr_EnhoqLNVKsFBtE
May 14, 2025
27 min
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