The Mangione Trial

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?

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

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

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 themangionetrial@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp: 0330 678 33 63

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 themangionetrial@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp: 0330 678 33 63