Luigi Mangione’s lawyers claim that key evidence, including a notebook and a handgun, was obtained illegally during his arrest.
Luigi Mangione arrives in state court for high-stakes hearing
Luigi Mangione arrived in state court for a series of hearings. He is accused of fatally shooting a United Healthcare executive in December 2024.
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in state court on Monday, Dec. 1, as his attorney attempts to extract key evidence from the New York murder case.
Mangione, 27, was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about a year ago after authorities said he shot and killed Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on Dec. 4, 2024.
At a hearing this week, Mangione’s lawyers will battle prosecutors over evidence police recovered from Mangione’s backpack during his arrest, including a notebook, a silencer and a 3D-printed handgun, which prosecutors have linked to Mangione’s murder.
Mangione’s lawyers argue that because police searched her backpack before obtaining a warrant, the evidence should be excluded from the trial. The defense is also seeking to throw out Mangione’s statement at the time of his arrest, arguing that police questioned him before reading him his Miranda rights.
Manhattan prosecutors rejected defense claims that Mangione was illegally searched and interrogated.
The outcome of the hearing will be crucial in determining whether the jury will hear about the gun allegedly linked to the murder scene and a document stating the intent to “deceive” medical executives.
On the first day of the hearing, Mangione wore a gray suit and a plaid button-down shirt. He was seen taking notes and talking to his lawyer as he was unshackled. Judge Gregory Caro had earlier granted Mangione’s request to wear civilian clothes in court.
Outside, several people held signs that read “Free Luigi” and chanted slogans defending the Ivy League graduate. Such demonstrations have become a staple of Mangione’s hearings since his arrest last year.
Mangione faces nine felonies, including second-degree murder, in the New York state case, which could carry a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. In September, Caro dismissed terrorism-related charges against Mangione, saying prosecutors had not presented enough evidence to warrant it.
Mr. Mangione faces a separate federal death penalty charge and several charges in Pennsylvania. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial in New York state court is expected to last several days as prosecutors and defense attorneys argue over evidence and statements made by Mangione during his initial interrogation.
What evidence is Mangione trying to throw away?
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office previously highlighted documents that police say they recovered from Mangione’s backpack, saying they show how Mangione allegedly planned the attack.
“The target is insurance. Every box will be checked,” the note said, according to a court filing filed by New York prosecutors.
Police also found a ghost gun with the letter, which authorities say matches the shell casing recovered from the scene where Thompson was killed.
Mr. Mangione’s lawyers are also moving to exclude statements made by Mr. Mangione during his arrest, including the false name he allegedly gave police.
Other evidence against Mangione includes items found near the crime scene, including a cell phone and a water bottle, that authorities say contain Mangione’s DNA.
No trial date has been set for Mangione’s state or federal lawsuit.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Contributor: Reuters; Carissa Wadick, america today
