Officer Says He Recognized UnitedHealthcare Murder Suspect When Mask Came Off — Mangione’s Lawyers Seek to Block Arrest Evidence

Luigi Mangione, 27, returned to a New York courtroom for the second day of a pretrial hearing in the state prosecution of the Dec. 4, 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The hearing centers on whether evidence seized during Mangione’s December arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania — and statements he made before extradition — can be used at trial.

Key issues at the hearing

Defense attorneys are asking the judge to exclude evidence seized when police arrested Mangione at an Altoona McDonald’s last December, arguing officers searched his backpack without a warrant and failed to give timely Miranda warnings. Prosecutors say items recovered included a 3D-printed handgun, a silencer and a notebook with handwritten passages described as a "manifesto," portions of which have been leaked to the media.

Witness testimony and evidence

Prosecutors have called six witnesses so far: an NYPD official who circulated images of a suspect after Thompson’s slaying; the vendor that installed the surveillance system that captured the Altoona arrest; a 911 dispatcher; two corrections officers who monitored Mangione in Pennsylvania custody; and Altoona police.

On Monday the court heard audio of a 911 call from the McDonald’s manager after a customer said she believed she recognized Mangione. The manager said the man wore a black jacket, tan beanie and surgical mask and that "the only thing you can see are his eyebrows."

Officer Joseph Detwiler, the first officer on scene in Altoona, testified he initially did not expect the person to be the suspect but immediately recognized Mangione when the man lowered his mask. Detwiler said Mangione was nervous and was eating a hash brown; Detwiler made small talk to keep him calm while waiting for backup. Body-worn camera footage shown in court also shows officers searching Mangione’s jacket and backpack. Detwiler testified the backpack search occurred after the suspect was arrested and that searches of people and bags incident to arrest are routine under Pennsylvania law.

Detwiler acknowledged roughly 20 minutes passed before officers advised Mangione of his right to remain silent. According to testimony, Mangione initially presented a false New Jersey driver’s license and later gave his real name when told he was under investigation.

Corrections officers’ accounts

Corrections officers who monitored Mangione in a Pennsylvania jail testified earlier in the hearing. Tomas Rivers said jail staff were warned to avoid an "Epstein-style" incident and that Mangione expressed frustration about comparisons to Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber. Officer Matthew Henry testified Mangione admitted carrying a 3D-printed handgun and foreign currency when arrested; defense counsel Marc Agnifilo pressed Henry on whether he documented that admission and Henry said he had not.

Charges and procedural history

Mangione faces parallel federal and state charges. Federal counts include murder through use of a firearm, two counts of interstate stalking resulting in death, and using a firearm equipped with a silencer while committing a crime of violence. New York state charges include second-degree murder and multiple weapons possession counts; Pennsylvania has filed additional charges including forgery and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

In September, Judge Gregory Carro dismissed terrorism and first-degree murder counts in the New York state case but allowed second-degree murder and several firearms charges to proceed. A state conviction could carry life in prison; federal convictions could expose Mangione to the death penalty.

Details from the shooting and aftermath

Surveillance video from Dec. 4 shows a hooded figure shoot Thompson in the back with a silenced pistol, then recock the weapon and fire additional rounds before fleeing. Investigators recovered shell casings at the scene with the words "deny," "delay" and "depose" written on them — language prosecutors say appears to reference tactics critics allege some insurers use to avoid paying claims.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the killing as "a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder" intended to intimidate and attract attention.

Public reaction and next steps

The killing spurred national debate about the health-care system. Supporters of Mangione have raised money for his defense and sometimes attend hearings wearing "Free Luigi" T-shirts. A small group of demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse during the latest hearing.

The judge has not yet ruled on the suppression motion or what evidence will be admissible at trial. Court officials say the pretrial hearing could continue for a week or longer.

Note: This article focuses on courtroom proceedings and testimony; charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.