NEW YORK (RTW) — The pretrial hearing for Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is in its third week and may conclude by the end of the week. Judge Gregory Carro expressed optimism that the hearing could wrap up by Thursday.
Mangione, 27, is contesting the admissibility of evidence seized during his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania on December 9, 2024. This includes a gun and notebook that the prosecution claims connect him to the shooting of Thompson on December 4, 2024, in Manhattan.
As of now, more than a dozen witnesses have testified, including a Pennsylvania police evidence custodian and a New York City police homicide commander. Following a short break, at least one more witness is expected to provide testimony on the next trial day.
Defense attorneys argue the items found in Mangione's backpack should be excluded from the trial, claiming police lacked the necessary search warrant and justification for a warrantless search. However, prosecutors counter that the search was legal due to its proximity to an arrest, intended to ensure public safety from any potential threats.
On the morning of his arrest, Mangione was located at a McDonald's restaurant where he was recognized by customers who believed he resembled the shooter of the UnitedHealthcare executive.
A Pennsylvania police evidence custodian testified that he collected and logged the evidence discovered during the arrest, and he later transferred it to the New York Police Department (NYPD). NYPD officials emphasized strict protocols during the investigation, ensuring that all evidence was secured without interacting with Mangione directly.
Among the critical items being examined is a 9 mm handgun, which supposedly corresponds to the weapon used in the murder of Thompson, along with incriminating notes suggesting intent to harm a figure in the health insurance sector.
As the trial progresses, the defense's objections regarding timeline accuracy and evidence admissibility will play a critical role in determining the proceedings' outcome.
