Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder May Return to New York Under Governor’s Warrant

PHILADELPHIA—The individual accused of murdering the CEO of UnitedHealthcare intends to contest extradition to New York, where he faces homicide charges. Authorities are optimistic about retrieving him using a document known as a governor’s warrant.

The timeline for this process could range from a few days to over a month. As of Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s office had yet to submit a request to Pennsylvania for the warrant following the murder charges filed against Luigi Mangione late Monday.

In the interim, Mangione remains in custody without bail in western Pennsylvania regarding the death of Brian Thompson. Law enforcement apprehended him Monday morning at a McDonald’s in Altoona, where he was found in possession of a firearm, a mask, and notes linking him to the crime.

Below are key details regarding the extradition process:

What Is a Governor’s Warrant?

A governor’s warrant is a document issued by the governor of a state where a fugitive has escaped after committing a crime. The governor in that state acts on a formal request from the governor of the state where the crime took place. In this situation, Hochul is anticipated to request a governor’s warrant from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

What Proof Does the Pennsylvania Governor Need Before Signing?

New York must provide evidence that the suspect is named in either an indictment, an information charging document, or, as in Mangione’s case, an arrest warrant based on a police affidavit. A spokesperson stated on Wednesday that Shapiro has been in discussions with Hochul and “is ready to sign and process it promptly as soon as it is received.”

When Will New York Send the Request?

As of Wednesday, Governor Hochul’s office had not yet submitted the request. She might choose to wait for Mangione’s indictment, which could occur relatively soon if prosecutors bring their case before a grand jury. According to Pennsylvania law, he can be detained for up to 30 days while officials seek a governor’s warrant.

What Happens If a Governor’s Warrant Is Issued?

Mangione will need to appear before a Pennsylvania judge to verify that he is the individual wanted in New York. This connection can be established through fingerprint or DNA matching with evidence from the crime scene or through other means of identification stated in the warrant.

Will Mangione Go Willingly?

No, he plans to contest the extradition, as stated by his attorney in Altoona, who represented him during early court proceedings, including one on Tuesday where Mangione was denied bail. However, evading extradition to another state is typically challenging. Prosecutors primarily need to establish that they have the correct individual in custody concerning the charges from the other state.

How Long Will All This Take?

In some instances, suspects can be extradited within days. Yet, if the defense mounts a challenge, the process could extend for months. As of Wednesday, New York authorities do not appear to be expediting the process. To contest extradition, Mangione must file a petition in Pennsylvania by December 24.

By Maryclaire Dale