Police Officer Lied to Calm Luigi Mangione During Detention: ‘I Recognized Him Right Away’

Tuesday marked the second day of pretrial suppression hearings for Luigi Mangione at the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan. Mangione faces second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He has pleaded not guilty to all state and federal charges.

His defense team is seeking to exclude evidence collected during his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, arguing that it was obtained through an unlawful search that violated his constitutional rights. These hearings, which began the previous day, will determine whether the evidence can be used in New York state court.

Officer Testimony and Body Camera Footage

Altoona police officer Joseph Detwiler, one of the first responders to a McDonalds 911 call, was the sole witness to testify on Tuesday. Prosecutors presented previously unseen body camera footage from multiple officers showing Mangione being questioned, identified, detained, and searched inside the restaurant.

Detwiler explained that he was dispatched to the McDonalds on December 9, 2025, after a manager reported a customer resembling the suspect in the United Healthcare shooting. He admitted he initially doubted the report and did not use lights or sirens while driving to the location. Detwiler recalled joking with his lieutenant about receiving a hoagie if they apprehended the suspect.

Bodycam footage displayed Mangione complying with police requests, including removing his mask. Detwiler said he recognized Mangione immediately, having seen news coverage of the United Healthcare case. During the interaction, Mangione gave a fake name and ID, claiming he was homeless and from the DMV region (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia).

Details of the Arrest

Detwiler admitted to misleading Mangione about the reason police were called to the McDonalds, stating it was routine for customers to call about lingering patrons. As backup arrived, Detwiler expressed certainty to his lieutenant that Mangione was the suspect. During the encounter, Mangione ate breakfast calmly, even as Christmas music played in the background, before being handcuffed for presenting a false ID.

Mangiones personal items, including a wallet with cash and foreign currency and a jar of peanut butter, were collected by officers. The defense questioned Detwiler about his positioning inside the McDonalds and his tactics to prevent Mangione from leaving, citing concerns about a backpack allegedly containing a 3D-printed gun and silencer.

Defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo pressed Detwiler on multiple instances where he muted or turned off his bodycam. Detwiler acknowledged lying to Mangione at times, including his comments about food preferences. The officer also could not recall if he discussed the incident with others before writing his report, though the prosecutor later confirmed he was not directed by anyone.

Mangiones Courtroom Demeanor and Next Steps

Mangione remained calm throughout the proceedings, taking notes and watching the footage of his arrest. In the final minutes of the session, Judge Carro ordered that the evidence be sealed from the press until trial to prevent prejudice. A reporter who attempted to object was removed from the courtroom.

The suppression hearings are expected to continue for the remainder of the week, with a break scheduled for Wednesday.

Author: Sophia Brooks