A court hearing commenced in New York regarding the admissibility of evidence in the case against Luigi Mangione, who is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The hearing, which began Monday and may continue into the following week, focuses on evidence for the state case.
Police Interaction and Questioning
Testimony and video presented on Thursday detailed the police encounter with Luigi Mangione at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 2024. According to the evidence, Mangione informed an officer he did not wish to speak shortly after being approached. However, police continued to pose questions, which Mangione continued to answer. Miranda rights were reportedly read to Mangione approximately 20 minutes after the initial contact.
Altoona police officers, acting on a tip about a person resembling the suspect, initially approached Mangione due to a "suspicious" report. Mangione provided a fraudulent New Jersey driver's license under a false name. Following a frisk, Mangione stated, "I don't know what you guys are up to. I'm just going to wait," and inquired about the situation. When asked if he wanted to talk, Mangione indicated he did not by shaking his head but continued to respond to inquiries.
Upon his eventual arrest for forgery, Mangione was asked about the contents of his backpack. He responded, "I'm going to remain silent."
Defense Arguments
Mangione's legal team is seeking to prevent the introduction of specific evidence at his murder trial. They contend that Mangione's statements to police should be excluded because questioning occurred prior to him being read his Miranda rights. Furthermore, the defense argues that items found in his backpack, including a handgun and a diary, should be inadmissible due to the absence of a search warrant.
Evidence Presented by Prosecutors
Prosecutors intend to present the 9mm handgun discovered in Mangione's backpack, asserting it matches the firearm used in Thompson's killing. They also refer to writings in a notebook, which reportedly express disdain for health insurers and concepts related to targeting a CEO at an investor conference. Additionally, prosecutors noted that Mangione provided police with the same false name allegedly used by the gunman at a New York hostel days before the shooting.
Items found during searches included a pocket knife, which Mangione reportedly mentioned, and a written "to-do list." Entries on the list for the day prior to his arrest included "digital cam," "hot meal and water bottles," and "trash bag(s)." For the day of his arrest, "survival kit" was listed.
Federal prosecutors have previously argued that the backpack search was justified for safety considerations and that Mangione's statements were voluntary and made before his arrest.
Background of the Case
Luigi Mangione has entered a plea of not guilty to both state and federal murder charges. The hearing coincides with the anniversary of Brian Thompson's death. Thompson, 50, was shot from behind on December 7, 2023, while en route to an investor conference. He had served as UnitedHealthcare's CEO since 2021 and spent two decades within the parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc. In remembrance, UnitedHealthcare lowered flags at its Minnesota campuses and encouraged employee volunteering.