Pre-trial suppression hearings for Luigi Mangione have concluded after nearly three weeks of testimony.
Magione, 27, was arrested a year ago for the murder of Brian Thompson, former UnitedHealtcare CEO. He is facing charges that include murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument.
The hearings were held to determine what evidence can be presented during trial, namely the contents of the backpack the accused had on his person at the time of arrest, a 9 mm handgun, a loaded gun magazine, a silencer, and notebook that allegedly contained plans to kill a health insurance executive.
The defense argued that the evidence should be inadmissible because it was obtained without a search warrant. But, prosecutors maintain that a search warrant wasn’t required.
Attorneys for Mangione argued that statements their client made to law enforcement before his Miranda Rights were read should also be inadmissible.
Judge Carro said that he would rule on the admissibility of the evidence on May 18.
Over the course of the pre-trial hearings, law enforcement officers who were involved in the arrest testified and bodycam footage was shown of officers approaching Mangione and searching his backpack.
The evidence being disputed applies to the New York state trial. Mangione is also facing federal charges. He could face the death penalty if he is convicted on federal charges.
He was initially charged with terrorism in New York, but Judge Carro dismissed that charge in September saying that it was a conflation of ideology with the intent to intimidate a civilian population.
Brian Thompson was shot at close range on the sidewalk near the Manhattan hotel where he was staying. The killing re-awakened the national conversation about the cost of healthcare and the red tape that often comes with health insurance claims over certain procedures and treatments.
The next court appearance is scheduled for January 9 in federal court.
