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Gun and writings admissible in Luigi Mangione murder trial as judge throws out evidence from an improper search
A New York judge just split Luigi Mangione’s case wide open. The gun and the notebook found after his arrest can be shown to the jury. But the magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet, and computer chip recovered during a warrantless search at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s are now barred from the courtroom. Judge Gregory Carro called that search improper. The evidence is gone.
Mangione is accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street in December 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to state charges including second-degree murder. A separate federal case is also pending. The ruling on Monday reshapes what prosecutors can use against him.
Gun and writings admissible in Luigi Mangione murder trial as the defense scores a partial victory
The encounter at the McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania happened days after Thompson’s killing. A nationwide manhunt ended when someone spotted a man who looked like the suspected shooter. Two officers approached Mangione and started asking questions. Before reading him his Miranda rights at 9:48 am, they got answers. Those answers are now excluded. The judge said prosecutors cannot use them.
While still at the restaurant, another officer went through Mangione’s backpack without a warrant. That search turned up a loaded magazine, a passport, and a Faraday bag. Carro ruled that evidence must be suppressed. Prosecutors failed to justify the search.
Later at the police station, officers conducted a more thorough search. That is where they found the handgun and the red journal. Because that search was part of a proper inventory process, Carro is letting it in. The alleged murder weapon and Mangione’s own writings will sit before the jury.
Mangione appeared in court wearing a navy-blue suit. He whispered to his attorneys while his lead lawyers conferred with the judge. Supporters filled the back benches, some wearing shirts demanding his exoneration. The state trial is expected to start in September. The defense lost some fights. It won others. The gun and the notebook remain. That may be all the prosecution needs.
