The jury in the New York state trial of Luigi Mangione will remain anonymous, the judge overseeing the case ruled on Tuesday.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel in December 2024.

The case has been at the centre of an online frenzy between Mangione’s backers – many of whom see the 28-year-old as a symbol of the backlash against US healthcare costs – and his critics, who analyse his intentions and possible political views.

In Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Gregory Carro decided the 12-person jury would be anonymous to the public because of the intense spotlight on the case.

Mangione attended the final pre-trial hearing dressed in a charcoal grey suit with his hair clipped short. He sat silently at the defence table while his attorneys conferred with the judge.

The trial begins next month, with jury selection scheduled to start on 8 September.

Mangione, if found guilty, could face decades behind bars. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including second-degree murder and weapons-related offences.

He faces a separate federal trial next year, in which he has also pleaded not guilty.

Here’s what to know about the upcoming trial, and what questions remain.