Accused killer due in Manhattan court for public hearing
A 28-year-old man charged with fatally shooting a health insurance executive is scheduled for a public pretrial appearance Tuesday. The hearing follows an earlier closed proceeding whose records remain sealed.
New York PostA 28-year-old man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is due in Manhattan Supreme Court on Tuesday for a pretrial hearing that will be open to the public. The proceeding comes after a sealed hearing held earlier this month at the request of the defense team. Justice Gregory Carro ordered that earlier session closed to the public.
Background on the case The defendant has pleaded not guilty in both state and federal cases to charges of shooting Thompson on a Midtown sidewalk in December 2024. Prosecutors received permission last month to show jurors the alleged murder weapon and a document recovered from the defendant’s backpack.
Defense attorneys have not yet indicated whether they will pursue a psychiatric defense at the September 8 trial.
Sealed hearing and public access Carro did not state a reason for sealing the June 3 hearing. A New York State court system spokesperson indicated that a future ruling may address the closure. The judge also declined a request from journalists to review the decision, despite state precedent requiring a specific justification for closing proceedings.
The defendant faces up to life in prison if convicted in either case.
