Judge allows key evidence in Luigi Mangione trial, including gun
· Toronto Sun
The judge in Luigi Mangione’s murder case ruled in a Monday hearing that some evidence seized from his backpack at the time of his arrest in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s must be suppressed, while allowing evidence seized at a station house in Altoona, Pa., which includes the murder weapon.
New York Judge Gregory Carro ruled, “The search of the backpack at the McDonald’s was an improper warrantless search. Therefore, the evidence found during the search of the backpack at the McDonald’s must be suppressed, including the magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet and computer chip.”
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Stationhouse search ‘valid’
But the judge decided the search of the backpack at the stationhouse “as a valid inventory search,” so the evidence discovered there , which includes the 3D-printed gun that was allegedly used in the shooting, a manifesto and written pieces of paper which allegedly denote escape routes, will be permitted at the trial — a key win for prosecutors.
Defence lawyers say the search of the backpack violated Mangione’s rights, and asked the judge to block prosecutors from using the evidence in their case.
“At the hearing, Altoona law enforcement officers repeatedly attempted to justify their warrantless search of Mr. Mangione’s backpack … instead, all these officers demonstrated was an utter disregard for a defendant’s constitutional rights and a shocking ignorance of basic search and seizure caselaw,” Mangione’s attorneys wrote in a state court filing.
Accusations
Luigi Mangione is accused of the murder of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson, who was slain in December 2024. Mangione allegedly walked up behind Thompson and shot him from behind. He was arrested five days later at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pa. He has pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 8.
Prosecutors said Mangione’s notebook entries speak to his motive. Certain statements Mangione made to police will be suppressed, one including his response when asked why he gave a false name. But statements he made to two correctional officers will be allowed, which include conversations about healthcare. Mangione told one of the officers he wanted to make a public statement.
Contentious case
The judge delivered his decision as supporters looked on — some wearing “Free Luigi” t-shirts. They view Mangione as something of a hero for what they see as bringing to light the predatory nature of American health-care insurers. Terrie Martin, a colleague of Thompson, who was a father of two, says she’s appalled by the support.
“I don’t know what they’re thinking. I don’t know what motivates them. I don’t know where their visceral anger comes from,” she told Inside Edition .
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