A New York state court judge ruled that some evidence from Luigi Mangione's backpack can be used at his murder trial while suppressing other items. Judge Gregory Carro allowed a gun and notebook but barred prosecutors from using the magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet, and computer chip found during an initial search of Mangione’s backpack at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania.
Key Takeaways
A New York state judge ruled that a gun and notebook found in Luigi Mangione's backpack can be used as evidence in his murder trial, but other items must be suppressed. The trial is set to begin on September 8.
- Judge Gregory Carro allowed the gun and notebook as evidence
- Magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet, and computer chip were barred from use
- Evidence found during an initial search was deemed inadmissible due to lack of control by Mangione
- Items discovered after the backpack was taken to a police station are permitted
The judge determined that the evidence found during the search of the backpack at the McDonald's must be suppressed because it was not sufficiently under Mangione's control when Altoona police detained him. However, items discovered after the backpack was taken to a police station and reopened were permitted as evidence. These included the gun, a silencer, a USB drive, and the red notebook.
Luigi Mangione is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a midtown Manhattan street in December 2024. The trial is set to begin on September 8, with jury selection for federal charges scheduled later. According to prosecutors, the gun found matches the one used in the killing and the notebook contains references that suggest motive.
The defense argued that police improperly searched Mangione’s backpack without a warrant and did not properly question him. They also contended that statements made by Mangione during his arrest should be excluded from trial. Prosecutors maintain that the search was legal as it followed Altoona police protocols requiring checks for dangerous items.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges in both state and federal cases, facing potential life sentences if convicted. The judge previously dismissed terrorism-related charges against Mangione due to insufficient evidence linking his actions to influencing public policy.
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