Luigi Mangione Attends Court Hearing on 1-Year Anniversary of Health Care CEO Shooting

NEW YORK Luigi Mangione, dressed in a grey suit, attended court on Thursday for the third day of a hearing focused on whether prosecutors can present key evidence at his forthcoming murder trial. The 27-year-old is charged with shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, at close range one year ago.

The attack triggered an extensive manhunt, concluding five days later with Mangiones arrest at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Mangione faces life imprisonment if convicted of state murder charges. A separate federal case carries a possible death sentence. Trial dates for both cases have not been scheduled, and he has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Outside the downtown Manhattan courtroom, young female supporters gathered days in advance to secure seats. Some wore themed apparel, while others displayed items referencing phrases allegedly found on bullet casings at the crime scene.

During the pretrial hearing, prosecutors meticulously reviewed the details of Mangiones arrest. The defense argued that evidence found in his backpack should be excluded because police lacked a search warrant at the time, and that statements made prior to being read his Miranda rights should not be admitted. Initially, Mangione provided officers with a false name and a New Jersey drivers license. Previously unseen body camera footage was shown in court as Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann questioned responding officers.

An elderly McDonalds customer, believing Mangione resembled the suspect in released photos, urged staff to call 911. Officer Joseph Detwiler testified that he arrived without sirens, doubting the tip would lead to the suspect.

Footage from the Altoona police station depicted a somewhat chaotic scene, with Mangione instructed to remove multiple layers of clothing and a silver chain with a USB drive. He provided contact details for his mother, Kathy Mangione, who had reported him missing in San Francisco weeks earlier. Mangione also told officers he was homeless.

Author: Harper Simmons