A New York judge has ruled that some evidence seized from Luigi Mangione after his arrest in Pennsylvania cannot be used at his state murder trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Judge Gregory Carro on Monday suppressed items including a magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet and computer chip found in Mangione's backpack at a McDonald's, calling the search "improper and warrantless."

However, prosecutors will be allowed to present a gun and a notebook discovered during a later search at a police station. Judge Carro also ruled that certain statements Mangione made to officers before receiving his Miranda warnings at 9:48 a.m. must be excluded, including questions about his false name and fake ID. Statements made after he was in custody are admissible.

Mangione is accused of shooting Thompson on a Manhattan street in December 2024. He faces state charges of second-degree murder, weapons possession, and stalking, to which he has pleaded not guilty. He also faces separate federal charges.

Mangione was arrested on December 8, 2024, at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a nationwide manhunt. Defense lawyers argued that police illegally searched his backpack without a warrant and improperly questioned him. Prosecutors maintained the searches and questioning were lawful.

The judge's ruling is a partial victory for the defense, but prosecutors will still present the alleged murder weapon and Mangione's writings to the jury. The state trial is expected to begin in September. Mangione appeared in court in a navy suit, whispering with his attorneys, while supporters filled the courtroom benches.

Source: www.bbc.com