Luigi Mangione ruling leaves some key evidence out of murder trial

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel in 2024, received a mixed legal ruling on Monday after a New York judge decided which evidence can be used at his upcoming murder trial.

A Manhattan state judge ruled that prosecutors may present a gun and notebook recovered from Mangione’s backpack when he was arrested in Pennsylvania, while blocking other material from being introduced in court.

The ruling centres on evidence collected after Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9, 2024, five days after Thompson was fatally shot outside a Hilton hotel in New York City.

Judge Gregory Carro ruled that an initial search of Mangione’s backpack at the restaurant was improper because it took place without a warrant after the bag had been moved outside his immediate reach. However, a later search at a police station was deemed lawful, allowing prosecutors to retain several key pieces of evidence.

Among the items that may still be shown to jurors are a handgun prosecutors allege was linked to shell casings found near the scene and a red notebook authorities say contained writings critical of the US health insurance industry.

Other material recovered from the backpack, including a mobile phone, passport, loaded magazines, wallet and computer chip, will not be allowed at trial. The judge also excluded some statements Mangione made to police while allowing others to remain admissible.

The ruling marks a mixed outcome for both sides ahead of Mangione’s state murder trial, scheduled to begin on Sept. 8.

Mangione, 28, has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges linked to Thompson’s killing.

Prosecutors allege he shot Thompson from behind outside a Manhattan hotel before fleeing to Pennsylvania, where he was arrested five days later.

The case has drawn nationwide attention, partly because prosecutors allege the killing was politically motivated.

A separate federal case against Mangione is also moving forward, with a judge previously ruling that backpack evidence may still be used in those proceedings.

Earlier terrorism-related murder charges in New York were dismissed, though Mangione still faces second-degree murder and weapons-related charges in state court.