Judge evaluates proof as Mangione hearing reaches critical stage

The legal battle over which evidence will be presented to jurors reaches a pivotal stage Tuesday in the murder trial of Luigi Mangione. A Manhattan court will hear continued arguments regarding whether prosecutors can introduce a gun, notebook, and other items confiscated after Mangione's arrest in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Mangione, 27, faces charges of fatally shooting Thompson on a Midtown sidewalk on December 4, 2024, while the executive was heading to an investor conference. Prosecutors and news outlets, including The Associated Press, NBC News, and Bloomberg, have reported on the details of the case.

The dispute centers on whether police in Altoona, Pennsylvania, unlawfully searched Mangione's backpack at a McDonalds on December 9. Prosecutors claim the bag contained a 9mm firearm consistent with the murder weapon and a notebook outlining his plan to target a health insurance executive. Mangione's defense counters that the search lacked a warrant and argues that the stated reason for checking the baga potential bomb threatwas a pretext.

Additionally, the defense seeks to suppress statements Mangione made before being advised of his rights, including providing a false name, claiming the interrogation began prematurely.

On Monday, the prosecution began the hearing by showing surveillance footage of the shooting along with new video of Mangione calmly eating breakfast at the McDonalds just before officers approached him, after a manager called 911, reporting that customers identified him as the "CEO shooter." The judge's decision will determine whether jurors will see this footage.

A Pennsylvania corrections officer testified that Mangione was placed under "constant watch" following his arrest to prevent an "Epstein-style situation." The officer described hours of discussions covering Mangione's travels, literature, and perspectives on health care while he was isolated in a special unit.

The suppression hearing is expected to continue throughout the week. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state-level murder and weapons charges and faces separate federal charges, where prosecutors have indicated they may pursue the death penalty.

Author: Sophia Brooks