New York, Dec 2, (dpa/GNA) – Luigi Mangione, accused of killing United Healthcare chief executive Brian Thompson a year ago, appeared in a New York court on Monday as his lawyers aim to bar key evidence ahead of his upcoming trial.
The defence wants to exclude a gun found in Mangione’s backpack at the time of his arrest and several statements he made to investigators. They argue the search was conducted without a warrant, and he had not yet been informed of his right to remain silent, according to US media reports.
Mangione, 27, appeared in court alongside his legal team and prosecutors for pre-trial hearings, which are expected to last several days. Court filings show prosecutors have moved to admit the disputed material and reject the defence motion. The pre-trial hearings relate to a charge in the state of New York.
In September, a New York judge dismissed terrorism-related murder charges, but allowed a lesser murder count to proceed. Mangione also faces federal charges and a separate case in Pennsylvania, including counts of murder, stalking and firearms offences.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has called for the death penalty, prompting his defence to denounce her intervention as “unapologetically political.” Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
He is accused of shooting Thompson at close range near Times Square on December 4, 2024. The 50-year-old executive died in hospital shortly after the attack.
Surveillance footage of the killing and a nationwide manhunt drew global attention. Mangione was arrested five days later at a fast-food restaurant in Pennsylvania. The case sparked unusual public sympathy for the suspect amid widespread frustration over the cost of US healthcare.
GNA