Mangione in court as lawyers seek to rule out notebook, gun and other key evidence

December 1, 2025

Luigi Mangione, a 27-year-old accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan last December, appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing where his defense team is challenging the legality of evidence obtained during his arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald's. His attorneys argue that police violated his constitutional rights by searching his backpack without a warrant and questioning him before reading his Miranda rights, seeking to exclude crucial evidence including a 9mm handgun and a notebook allegedly containing his motives. While legal experts say the chances of successfully suppressing this evidence are extremely slim due to exceptions for manhunt situations, the hearing allows the defense to preview prosecution witness testimony and lock in their statements for potential inconsistencies at trial.

Who is affected

Luigi Mangione (the defendant facing state and federal murder charges)
Brian Thompson (UnitedHealthcare CEO who was killed, identified as a father of two)
Mr. Mangione's legal team/defense attorneys
Prosecutors from state and federal jurisdictions
Law enforcement officials from NYPD and Pennsylvania
McDonald's manager and employees in Altoona, Pennsylvania who reported the suspect
Correctional officers at the jail holding Mr. Mangione
High-ranking government officials including Attorney General Pam Bondi

What action is being taken

A pre-trial hearing is currently underway that could last several days
Defense attorneys are calling witnesses from Pennsylvania and other locations
Defense lawyers are challenging the admissibility of evidence, including seeking to suppress statements, a gun, and notebook writings
Prosecutors are presenting evidence in court, including playing CCTV footage and 911 calls
The court is hearing testimony from various witnesses including NYPD officials, McDonald's security personnel, and correctional officers
Mr. Mangione's legal team is pushing to bar the federal government from seeking the death penalty

Why it matters

This case is significant because it involves the high-profile killing of a major healthcare company CEO that occurred in broad daylight on a busy Manhattan street. The pre-trial hearing addresses fundamental constitutional questions about search and seizure rights and due process protections, which could impact what evidence prosecutors can use at trial. The potential exclusion of the alleged murder weapon and writings describing motive would severely weaken the prosecution's case, though legal experts consider this outcome highly unlikely. The case also raises questions about whether high-profile cases involving public manhunts for violent suspects receive different treatment regarding constitutional protections, and whether political considerations are influencing the federal death penalty pursuit.

What's next

The pre-trial hearing is expected to continue for several days with additional witness testimony
A trial date has not yet been set for either the state or federal charges
The judge will need to rule on the defense motions to suppress evidence following the hearing

Read full article from source: BBC