Defence lawyers for the man charged in the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s death are trying to stop prosecutors from using evidence they believe ties him to the killing. AP Photo
Luigi Mangione sat quietly in a New York courtroom on Monday as prosecutors showed surveillance videos tied to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The footage included the shooting on a Manhattan sidewalk and Mangione’s arrest five days later at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. The hearing focused on whether the court should allow several pieces of evidence in his upcoming state murder trial.
Videos Show Arrest and Shooting
Prosecutors played previously unseen recordings from the Pennsylvania restaurant where officers approached Mangione during breakfast. Mangione watched closely, resting his hand on his chin while holding a pen in his other hand. A 911 call from a restaurant manager was also played. She told dispatchers she feared the man in her dining room matched the suspect she had seen online.
Prison Testimony Highlights Safety Concerns
A correctional officer from a Pennsylvania state prison testified that staff placed Mangione in a special area after his arrest. The officer said the prison wanted to avoid leaks to the media and prevent a situation similar to Jeffrey Epstein’s death in federal custody in 2019.
Defence Fights Evidence
Lawyers for Mangione want the court to exclude a 9 mm handgun and a notebook found in his backpack. Prosecutors say the weapon matches the gun used in the Dec. 4, 2024 attack and claim the notebook contains writings about a plan to “wack” a health insurance executive. His lawyers argue police searched the bag without a warrant and violated his rights.
They also want the court to reject statements Mangione made before officers read him his rights. Prosecutors say he used the same false name, “Mark Rosario,” when checking into a New York hostel before the shooting.
Officers Recall Conversations
Two correctional officers testified about comments Mangione made after his arrest. One said Mangione talked about travelling in Asia and asked if the media focused more on him or the crime. Another officer claimed Mangione mentioned carrying foreign money and a 3D-printed gun at the time of his arrest. His lawyer questioned why his client would volunteer such information.
Motive Details Emerge in Court
Prosecutors say surveillance video shows a masked gunman shooting Thompson from behind. They claim ammunition from the scene had the words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose,” suggesting criticism of how insurers handle claims. Court filings also quote writings where Mangione expressed anger toward the health-insurance industry and praised extremist views.
Lengthy Hearing Ahead
Officials expect the hearing to continue for more than a week. Prosecutors may call over two dozen witnesses. Mangione arrived in court wearing a grey suit instead of a jail uniform, and officers removed his handcuffs so he could write notes. Several supporters sat in the gallery, including one wearing a shirt reading, “Without a warrant, it’s not a search, it’s a violation.”
The state charges could lead to life in prison. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in a separate case. Both trials remain unscheduled.
