PREVIEW

Luigi Mangione Returns to Court as Defense Moves to Suppress Key Evidence in High-Profile Murder Case. One year after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead in Manhattan, accused killer Luigi Mangione returns to court for a crucial multi-day pretrial hearing. Mangione’s lawyers aim to block prosecutors from using evidence seized during his Pennsylvania arrest, including a 3D-printed gun, silencer, electronics and a handwritten journal. Prosecutors say the journal contains clear indications of motive, including the line: “The target is insurance. It checks every box.” The hearing follows a defense victory in September when terrorism-related murder charges were dismissed; Mangione still faces second-degree murder and a separate federal case with potential death penalty exposure. Defense attorneys argue Mangione was questioned illegally at a McDonald’s in Altoona, claiming police delayed reading Miranda rights for 20 minutes while surrounding him in an “armed human wall.” They also say officers unlawfully searched his backpack without a warrant, despite body-cam footage showing an officer acknowledging a warrant would likely be required. Prosecutors maintain the arrest and search were lawful or that the evidence would have been recovered during discovery regardless, making it admissible. Judge Gregory Carro has set aside several days for arguments, with the defense planning to call Altoona police witnesses and present extensive body-camera footage. The outcome will determine whether major pieces of evidence — and the alleged murder weapon — can be used at trial, shaping the entire prosecution strategy. If convicted in state court, Mangione faces life in prison; his federal case could bring the death penalty.
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