A New York judge has decided that certain evidence seized from Luigi Mangione’s backpack during his arrest is not admissible in court. However, some evidence, including the alleged murder weapon, can still be presented to the jury. Judge Gregory Carro shared this decision online before a scheduled hearing.
Judge Carro agreed with the defense, declaring that searching Mangione’s backpack at a McDonald’s was unconstitutional as it was beyond his reach. Yet, he ruled that a subsequent search at the police station was lawful. During this search, officers found the handgun allegedly used in the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Most of Mangione’s statements to Pennsylvania police will be permissible in court, except comments about a fake ID after receiving his Miranda warning. Meanwhile, in a separate federal case, a different judge found the search proper and allowed the evidence for the federal trial. This evidence includes the alleged murder weapon, a 3D-printed silencer, a fake ID used for a Manhattan hostel, and journals critical of the health insurance industry.
Luigi Mangione is accused of shooting Thompson outside a Manhattan Hilton hotel on December 4, 2024. Allegedly, after the shooting, Mangione fled the scene on a bicycle and went to Altoona, Pennsylvania. Five days later, he was recognized by customers and employees at a local establishment from a wanted poster, leading to his arrest.
Authorities conducted several searches of Mangione’s bag before obtaining a search warrant. Defense lawyers argued that since Mangione was not in control of the bag post-arrest, officers should have first secured a warrant. They claim these actions breached Mangione’s constitutional rights.
Prosecutors urged Judge Carro to reject the defense’s motion, maintaining that police acted appropriately during the search post-arrest. The court has already conducted multiple hearings regarding this matter.
Mangione faces serious charges in both state and federal courts. In New York, the main charge is second-degree murder which carries a potential life sentence. Additional charges include six related to weapons and one involving a fake ID.
The state trial is set to commence on September 8. In federal court, U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett ruled that the backpack evidence could be used in the federal trial without the possibility of a death sentence.
Brian Thompson, who was in New York City for an investor conference, was shot in what prosecutors describe as a politically motivated act. Surveillance footage captured the moments before his assassination.
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