A Manhattan judge on Monday examined crucial pieces of evidence in the high-profile murder case against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The evidence included a dramatic 911 call from the Pennsylvania McDonald's where Mangione was arrested and widely seen surveillance footage of the shooting.
Key Evidence Presented in Court
Prosecutors played a recording of the 911 call made on December 9, 2024, by the manager of a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania. In the call, the manager informed the dispatcher that a man in the restaurant "looks like the CEO shooter" and noted that customers were "really upset." This call led to the arrest of Mangione, ending a days-long manhunt that began after Thompson was killed outside the Midtown Hilton in Manhattan on December 4, 2024.
During the hearing, the court also viewed the chilling surveillance video that has circulated widely. It shows a masked gunman firing at Thompson at close range. Luigi Mangione, appearing in court in a grey suit and checkered shirt, watched the footage without any visible reaction and took notes, according to reports.
Defence Challenges Evidence, Supporters Rally Outside
Mangione's defence team is aggressively seeking to suppress evidence recovered during his arrest. This includes a handgun, a loaded magazine, and a handwritten notebook found in his backpack. His attorneys argue that police conducted an unlawful, warrantless search. Prosecutors counter that the arrest and search were lawful and that the backpack's contents directly tie the 27-year-old to the killing. Similar evidence challenges are underway in the parallel federal case, where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Mangione has pleaded not guilty in both jurisdictions.
Adding to the case's context, testimony revealed that Mangione was placed on "constant watch" at SCI-Huntington prison in Pennsylvania before his extradition. A corrections officer stated the prison "did not want an 'Epstein-style' situation."
The hearing drew unusually large crowds, with Mangione's supporters gathering outside the courthouse. Some were dressed as Nintendo's Super Mario characters—a reference to his first name—holding "Free Luigi" signs and protesting the death penalty. A new photo from the court proceeding went viral on social media, underscoring the intense public attention the case has attracted since his arrest.
What Comes Next in the Legal Proceedings
The judge in the state case is expected to rule on the defence's motions to suppress evidence soon. A trial date could be set in the coming days, marking the next critical phase in this closely watched legal battle that spans both state and federal courts.
