NEW YORK (AP) — The pretrial hearing for Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, wrapped up with a New York judge planning to rule on evidence admissibility in May. Prosecutors presented nearly 20 witnesses over three weeks, while Mangione's defense opted not to call any witnesses.
Mangione's legal team seeks to exclude items such as a gun and a notebook found in his backpack, which authorities argue tie him to the alleged crime that occurred on December 4, 2024, in Manhattan. The gun allegedly matches that used in the shooting, while the notebook reportedly includes notes indicating a desire to harm a health insurance executive.
Judge Carro has set deadlines for written submissions, with the ruling expected on May 18. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal murder charges, and he is contesting the legality of the search that uncovered the contested evidence.
Prosecutors argue that the search was justified, conducted in conjunction with an arrest, to ensure the absence of potentially harmful items in Mangione's possession. They have also obtained a warrant following the initial search.
Having been detained after being recognized by customers at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Mangione's case has drawn significant attention, particularly given the severe implications of the federal charges he also faces, including a potential death penalty.
