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In New York, the evidentiary hearing for Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will resume on Thursday. The court is not in session today, following a day of testimony from police officers involved in Mangione's arrest. On Tuesday, Altoona, Pennsylvania, police officer Joseph Detwiler testified about the events leading to Mangione's capture at a McDonald's last December. Detwiler recounted receiving a tip about Mangione's presence at the restaurant, which he initially doubted. However, upon arrival, he identified Mangione, who was wearing a large coat, brown beanie, and medical mask, as the suspect in the Manhattan shooting.
Detwiler's testimony included details about the arrest, such as Mangione providing a fake ID and being asked to lower his mask, which confirmed his identity. The arrest followed a five-day manhunt after Thompson was shot on a Manhattan street on December 4, 2024. The hearing is focused on whether evidence, including a 9mm gun and a notebook allegedly outlining a motive, should be admissible in court. Mangione's defense argues that he was not informed of his rights during the arrest.
Prosecutors presented body camera footage from the arrest, showing Mangione eating at the McDonald's while Christmas music played. The defense aims to suppress this evidence, claiming it was obtained illegally. The judge has sealed all body-worn camera footage until the trial. The hearing is expected to continue with more witness testimonies before the trial proceeds.
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