Judge Admits Key Evidence in Mangione Trial Over UnitedHealthcare CEO's Death

A New York judge has ruled that a gun and notebook found in Luigi Mangione's backpack can be used as evidence in his upcoming murder trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Judge Gregory Carro's decision allows prosecutors to present these items, which include a 3D-printed pistol and a notebook detailing plans to "wack" a health insurance executive, as potential indicators of motive and method.

However, Judge Carro excluded items obtained during an initial, warrantless search of Mangione's backpack at the time of his arrest at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania. These excluded items include a gun magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet, and computer chip. The judge determined that this search was improper due to the lack of a warrant.

Mangione was arrested on December 9, 2024, five days after Thompson was fatally shot outside a Manhattan hotel. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted. His state murder trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, with a separate federal trial on stalking charges set for October.