Mangione’s pretrial hearing has ended, but the judge won’t rule on the evidence for months: NPR

NEW YORK – After nearly three weeks of testimony, pretrial hearings in the New York state case of Luigi Mangione have finally concluded. The 27-year-old was arrested a year ago for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and faces state charges including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument.

These hearings will ultimately determine what evidence can and cannot be presented during trial — most notably the contents of the backpack Mangione was carrying at the time of his arrest, including a 9mm handgun, a loaded magazine and silencer, and a red notebook in which prosecutors allege Mangione wrote about his intention to “bother” a health insurance executive.

The defense said this evidence should be inadmissible in court because it was obtained without a search warrant.

Prosecutors say a search warrant was not required at the time of Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Mangione’s lawyers also say statements made to law enforcement before Mangione was informed of his right to remain silent should be inadmissible.

It will be up to Judge Gregory Caro to determine whether or not this evidence will be admissible. He said he would rule on May 18.

The pre-trial hearing gave the public a unique view of some of the most important evidence in the case. Over the course of three weeks, multiple officers involved in Mangione’s arrest testified, and body-worn camera footage from multiple angles showed officers approaching Mangione and searching his backpack while Christmas music played in the background.

The evidence in question will be applied to Mangione’s trial in New York state, although Mangione also faces a separate case Federal fees. If convicted at the federal level, he could face prison time death penalty.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed on a Manhattan sidewalk last year It ignited a national dialogue About the high cost of health care in the United States, which has grown in recent months Uncertainty looms Regarding changes to the Affordable Care Act.

He had previously been charged with terrorist murder in New York State, but in September, Judge Caro charged He dismissed the chargeSaying that prosecutors “appear to conflate an ideological belief with an intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population.”

Mangione is scheduled to appear in court next January 9 in federal court.

WNYC’s Walter Wuthmann contributed additional reporting.