Manhunt Evidence Challenged in Brian Thompson Murder Case
New York, NY – A Manhattan judge is hearing arguments this week regarding the admissibility of key evidence against Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel in December of last year. The hearings,attracting notable public attention,could determine the course of Mangione’s upcoming murder trial.
The proceedings began Monday with testimony including a recording of a 911 call made from a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania, during the initial days of the manhunt. According to testimony from a Pennsylvania emergency coordinator, the McDonald’s manager reported to dispatchers that customers believed a man inside the restaurant resembled the suspect sought in Thompson’s murder. The recording captured the manager relaying customer concerns while McDonald’s orders continued to be taken in the background.
Prosecutors presented widely circulated video footage of the shooting itself, depicting a masked individual allegedly identified as Mangione firing at Thompson at close range. Mangione reportedly watched the footage without visible reaction, taking notes throughout the presentation.
Further testimony came from Thomas Rivers, a Pennsylvania department of Corrections officer, who detailed Mangione’s confinement at SCI-Huntington prior to his extradition to New York. Rivers stated Mangione was placed on “constant watch” due to concerns raised by the prison superintendent about preventing a situation similar to the circumstances surrounding Jeffrey Epstein‘s death.
Defense attorneys are challenging the legality of Mangione’s arrest and the subsequent search of his backpack at the Altoona McDonald’s,arguing that he was not properly informed of his Miranda rights and that the search lacked a valid warrant. Prosecutors maintain that law enforcement acted within legal bounds and that the contents of the backpack directly link Mangione to Thompson’s killing.
Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal murder charges, appeared in court Monday wearing a gray suit and checkered shirt. He was unshackled to allow him to take notes during the hearing. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in their case.
The judge is expected to set a trial date in the coming days. Supporters of Mangione were present outside the courthouse, dressed as characters from the super Mario franchise and displaying signs critical of the American health insurance industry.
This story has been updated with additional information and to correct the spelling of Thomas Rivers’ name.
