Luigi Mangione’s attorney, Karen Agnifilo, indicated on Friday that she might try to dismiss evidence collected during Mangione’s arrest in Pennsylvania. She expressed concern that Mayor Eric Adams and a high-ranking NYPD official discussed this evidence improperly.
Agnifilo raised serious issues regarding search and seizure, emphasizing the importance of ensuring Mangione’s right to a fair trial. She believes that ongoing discussions related to the case continue to affect that right.
Prosecutors allege that Mangione, 26, went to New York City last fall with a plan to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. They claim he shot Thompson as he left his hotel, then fled back to Pennsylvania, where he was captured days later.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to charges including state murder and weapons possession, among others. Notably, he faces terrorism-related murder charges, which are seldom invoked. If convicted of the most serious charges, he could face the death penalty.
The crowded courtroom saw Justice Gregory Carro address the evidence sharing process and establish timelines for motions from both sides. Mangione was visibly restrained, arriving in shackles and flanked by tactical officers.
Agnifilo expressed disbelief that the NYPD’s chief of detectives and Mayor Adams discussed evidence in a documentary for HBO, discussing aspects of the case without sharing key evidence with the defense, such as a journal they claim is Mangione’s manifesto.
According to Agnifilo, they have yet to receive copies of crucial documents. The mayor’s office did not reply to requests for comments.
On the prosecution’s side, Zachary Kaplan noted that they have provided a substantial amount of evidence to Mangione’s defense in two batches. This evidence includes crime scene photos, DNA results, ballistic analysis, and grand jury testimonies.
Justice Carro set a deadline for pre-trial motions, requiring the defense to submit theirs by April 9 and the prosecution’s response by May 14. A trial date is still pending.
The case has drawn significant attention, especially after Thompson’s murder on December 4. Initial investigations revealed footage of the shooting, alongside shell casings bearing inscriptions that sparked public interest, linking them to critiques of the insurance industry.
After a thorough search, police located Mangione in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a tip from someone who recognized him from an image released by law enforcement. Upon arrest, officers discovered a loaded firearm with a silencer, a notebook with critical writings about health insurance, and a letter where Mangione claimed sole responsibility, according to the criminal complaint.
Supporters have begun to rally around Mangione, viewing him as a symbol against corporate greed in healthcare. His defense team even created a website to keep fans updated, and a legal defense fund has raised over $500,000 to assist his case.
Crowds supporting Mangione appeared both inside and outside the courtroom, including notable figures like Chelsea Manning, who gained fame as a whistleblower.
Many public officials, including NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, have condemned Thompson’s murder, calling it a brutal act that should not garner any form of celebration. In a high-profile moment, Mayor Adams attended Mangione’s arrest presentation, stating he wanted to confront the accused directly.
