A judge in Luigi Mangione's state trial has blocked a tranche of evidence seized during his arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald's, ruling that police conducted an improper warrantless search that violated his rights.
Judge Gregory Carro suppressed items found in Mangione's backpack at the fast food restaurant on December 9, 2024, including a magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet, and computer chip. Carro determined authorities failed to meet the legal threshold for searching the bag without a warrant, even under emergency circumstances.
"The People did not meet their burden of demonstrating exigency," Carro wrote in his May 18 decision. Police had argued they needed to search for explosives to protect themselves and the public before transporting the backpack to the station. Carro found that justification insufficient under scrutiny.
Mangione's defense team had challenged the search on constitutional grounds, contending that police never properly informed him of his rights before the arrest in Altoona. The defense argued that both any statements he made to officers and evidence gathered without a warrant should be barred from trial.
One item will still be admissible: Carro ruled prosecutors can introduce Mangione's alleged notebook, since officers did not open or search it at the McDonald's.
Evidence recovered after Mangione arrived at the police station remains in play, including a gun authorities believe was the murder weapon.
Mangione stands accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024. An anonymous tip led police to the Altoona McDonald's, where Mangione was apprehended during a high-profile manhunt that gripped the nation.
In state court, Carro previously dismissed the top two murder charges framed as terrorism crimes, but Mangione still faces nine counts including second-degree murder, which carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life. He has pleaded not guilty and also faces federal charges with trial scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Author James Rodriguez: "The McDonald's ruling is a significant win for Mangione's defense, but prosecutors still have the gun and whatever statements he made after booking."
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