A New York judge has made a decision on evidence related to Luigi Mangione’s case. Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, and key evidence found in his backpack has been scrutinized. Judge Gregory Carro ruled some evidence inadmissible at trial but allowed the suspected murder weapon to be shown to jurors.
The ruling found that searching Mangione’s backpack at McDonald’s was unconstitutional because the bag was not within his reach. However, a later search at the police station was lawful. Police discovered a handgun allegedly used in killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson during this lawful search.
Most of Mangione’s statements to police remain admissible except for comments on a fake ID. A different federal judge disagreed with the defense’s argument that the search was improper. Evidence, including a gun, a 3D-printed silencer, and the fake ID will be used in his federal trial.
Mangione, 28, was accused of shooting Thompson from behind in Manhattan on December 4, 2024. After the incident, Mangione fled to Altoona, Pennsylvania. Recognized from a wanted poster, locals notified the police. Authorities searched his bag multiple times before obtaining a warrant, which defense lawyers contested as improper.
Defense lawyers argued that Mangione was not in control of the bag after his arrest, thus requiring a warrant before searching. They have requested that statements made by Mangione between his arrest and extradition to New York be dismissed.
Prosecutors maintained the Altoona police acted reasonably after arresting him. Several days of hearings with testimony from 17 witnesses have occurred. Mangione pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges. He faces a second-degree murder charge along with other weapons and fake ID possession charges.
State terrorism-related charges were previously dismissed, which could have led to life imprisonment without parole. The state trial is set for September 8.
In the separate federal case, Judge Margaret Garnett ruled the backpack evidence valid for federal trial, while also excluding the death penalty option. Brian Thompson, the victim, was on a business trip to New York when he was assassinated.