Luigi Mangione judge allows key evidence in murder trial

NEW YORK – A New York judge on Monday ruled on what evidence prosecutors can use at Luigi Mangione’s upcoming murder trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

What we know:

Judge Gregory Carro ruled that evidence found during an initial search of Mangione’s backpack during his arrest at a McDonald’s restaurant must be suppressed, including a gun ammunition magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet and computer chip.

The 9mm pistol and silencer found during Luigi Mangione’s arrest, according to the federal complaint

Evidence in Luigi Mangione trial

What they’re saying:

At the same time, Carro ruled that some items recovered during an initial search of Mangione’s backpack at the time of his arrest in Pennsylvania must be suppressed, including a gun magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet and computer chip.

Mangione’s New York state murder trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 8. In his separate federal case, which includes stalking charges, jury selection is set to begin Oct. 13, with opening statements and testimony expected to start Nov. 4. Prosecutors have said the state trial is expected to last four to six weeks.

Luigi Mangione trial

Thompson was killed Dec. 4, 2024, as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference. Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting him from behind.

Mangione was arrested five days later while eating breakfast at the Pennsylvania McDonald’s after a customer recognized him from police photos released during the manhunt, according to authorities.

Luigi Mangione backpack search 

Mangione hearing: Officers defend backpack search

Day 7 of pretrial hearings for accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione brought new testimony from Altoona police supervisors, who described why they searched Mangione’s backpack without a warrant the day he was arrested at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s.

Prosecutors have argued the backpack search was lawful under Altoona police procedures. Officers initially searched the bag at the restaurant for dangerous items and found a loaded gun magazine, prosecutors said.

Police later continued searching the backpack at a station house, where investigators said they found a gun and silencer during what authorities described as an inventory search required under department policy. Officers also recovered a notebook and handwritten notes that prosecutors said included apparent to-do lists and possible getaway plans.

 (Photo by Steven Hirsch / POOL / AFP) (Photo by STEVEN HIRSCH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)  ( )

Mangione’s attorneys contend the evidence should be excluded because the searches occurred before investigators obtained a warrant.

The same backpack evidence has already been approved for use in Mangione’s separate federal case, but its admissibility in New York state court has remained under review through pre-trial hearings.

What is Luigi Mangione charged with?

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all state and federal charges tied to Thompson’s killing. In the federal case, he faces two stalking charges, each carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

Earlier this year, a judge dismissed two other federal charges, eliminating the possibility of the death penalty.