Luigi Mangione Returns to Court in CEO Murder Case

The Ruling and Its Scope

New York Judge Gregory Carro ruled Monday that a 3D-printed gun and a red notebook containing handwritten entries will be allowed as evidence in Luigi Mangione’s upcoming state murder trial. However, items recovered from Mangione’s backpack during an initial search at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s will be excluded.

The ruling came after a nine-day suppression hearing in December that included hours of body-worn camera footage and testimony from multiple law enforcement officers about the searches of Mangione’s belongings.

Mangione, 28, faces second-degree murder and eight other charges in the state case, scheduled for trial in September 2026.

The Backpack Search and Dispute

Police stopped Mangione at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania in December 2024, days after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot on a Manhattan sidewalk on December 4, 2024. A restaurant manager had called 911 after recognizing him from news reports.

When officers requested identification, Mangione initially provided a fake New Jersey driver’s license under the name Mark Rosario. After warning him against using false identification, he identified himself as Luigi Mangione.

Officers began searching his backpack at the restaurant. During the search, they recovered a loaded magazine wrapped in underwear and a Faraday bag containing a passport, phone, and wallet. At the Altoona police station, officers continued searching the backpack and recovered clothing, toiletry items, a silencer, and a 3D-printed gun.

Police did not seek a search warrant until approximately seven hours after they first opened the backpack.

Judge’s Decision on Items

Judge Carro ruled that the gun and red notebook - items recovered at the police station - were seized lawfully and may be admitted. However, items recovered during the initial search at the McDonald’s - including the loaded magazine, passport, wallet, cell phone, and computer chip - will be excluded from trial.

Carro found that while police officers expressed concern on body-worn camera footage that the backpack might contain a bomb, “there was no evidence that a gun was a concern or that it was the basis for the search.” He further noted that “even if it were a legitimate concern, there was no possibility at the time of the search that the defendant might retrieve a gun from the backpack, and thus no exigency.”

The ruling was largely a victory for prosecutors, who will be able to present the alleged murder weapon and the notebook to jurors.

The Notebook Writings

The red notebook contains handwritten entries expressing frustration with the healthcare industry. According to prosecutors’ court filings, Mangione wrote in August 2024: “I finally feel confident about what I will do. The details are coming together. And I don’t feel any doubt about whether it’s right/justified.”

In another entry, Mangione wrote: “I’m glad-in a way-that I’ve procrastinated (because) it allowed me to learn more about (UnitedHealthcare).”

He also wrote: “The target is insurance. It checks every box,” according to the filings.

Other Statements and Evidence

Judge Carro also ruled on statements Mangione made to law enforcement. Most of Mangione’s alleged statements will be admitted, including those involving safety concerns or basic biographical information. However, statements Mangione made at the McDonald’s before being read his Miranda rights, and responses he made after invoking his right to remain silent, will be excluded.

Prosecutors have stated they possess other evidence connecting Mangione to the killing. His DNA and fingerprints were recovered from items discarded near the crime scene, according to court documents.

The case has drawn national attention and public debate about healthcare system frustrations. Mangione has received significant public support, with supporters attending courthouse appearances. Officials including former Attorney General Pam Bondi have characterized the killing as a “cold-blooded assassination.”

Federal Case and Trial Schedule

Mangione faces separate federal charges related to Thompson’s killing, as well as state charges in Pennsylvania from his arrest. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A federal judge previously denied similar motions to suppress evidence in the federal case.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said in a statement: “We look forward to presenting our case at trial on September 8.”

Judge Carro scheduled a virtual appearance for June 3 to discuss scheduling related to the state trial.

References: CNN Luigi Mangione murder trial evidence