A lawyer representing Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, is making efforts to exclude evidence obtained from his belongings during his arrest. The defense attorney argues that Mangione was unlawfully stopped and searched by police.
In a recent court filing in Pennsylvania, Mangione’s lawyer disclosed the attempt to discard over two dozen items, including a 3D-printed gun, a counterfeit driver’s license, and a notebook seized by authorities during Mangione’s apprehension at a McDonald’s in Altoona after a rigorous manhunt.
The notebook, firearm, and false ID are crucial pieces of evidence linking Mangione to the fatal shooting of CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan. The notebook reportedly contained handwritten pages expressing animosity towards the health insurance industry and affluent executives, referencing the investor conference Thompson was scheduled to attend. The fake driver’s license matched the one used to reserve a room at a New York hostel.
In the Pennsylvania case, Mangione faces charges related to possessing the 3D-printed gun and forged identification. The defense contends that the police violated Mangione’s rights by searching his backpack and confiscating items without a warrant.
Allegedly, Altoona police approached Mangione at McDonald’s, claiming he appeared suspicious and had overstayed his welcome. The officers frisked him, seized his backpack and belongings, and prevented him from leaving. Mangione was interrogated without being informed of his rights for over 15 minutes.
Additional items found in Mangione’s possession included a suspected 3D-printed silencer, written notes, a laptop, jackets, face masks, a US passport, currency, and various electronic storage devices. His legal team plans to make a similar request in his New York case.
In New York, Mangione faces multiple charges, including murder and weapon offenses. He has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could receive a life sentence without parole. Federal charges, including using a firearm to commit murder, are also pending, potentially carrying the death penalty.
