NEW YORK (AP) — Attorneys representing Luigi Mangione are alleging that former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s decision to pursue the death penalty in the case involving the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was compromised by a conflict of interest. The claim centers around Mangione’s trial for Thompson’s murder, which concluded with a death sentence.

Mangione was convicted and sentenced to death for the 2011 murder of Thompson in Brian Thompson’s Florida home. His legal team now argues that Bondi’s actions were improperly influenced, potentially impacting the fairness of the proceedings. Specific details regarding the alleged conflict of interest have not been fully disclosed, but the lawyers assert it warrants further investigation and could necessitate a review of the case.

The defense maintains that Bondi's pursuit of the death penalty was not solely based on the merits of the case but was affected by an undisclosed conflict. They believe this compromised her impartiality and undermined the integrity of the legal process. The lawyers plan to present evidence supporting their claims in forthcoming legal filings. The case has drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the severity of the sentence imposed.

While Bondi has not publicly responded to these allegations, her office previously defended its decision to seek the death penalty, stating it was warranted given the brutal nature of the crime and the evidence presented against Mangione. The legal battle continues as Mangione’s lawyers work to challenge the validity of the death sentence based on the asserted conflict of interest. Thompson’s family has not commented on the recent developments.