Judge Postpones Dec. 5 Evidence Suppression Hearing After Defendant Is Reported Ill
Judge Gregory Carro announced from the bench Friday morning that 27-year-old defendant Luigi Mangione would not appear for a scheduled evidence suppression hearing because he was ill, postponing the next session in the widely watched murder case.
Mangione is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last December. This week his defense team traveled to Manhattan Supreme Court to seek the exclusion of key evidence in the state-level case, where he faces a second-degree murder charge.
The hearing had been scheduled for the fourth day of suppression proceedings on Dec. 5. At approximately 9:45 a.m., Judge Carro informed the courtroom that Mangione was "ill" and would not be attending. Mangione’s defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, declined to comment when asked about his client's health. Court officials said the proceedings are expected to resume on the morning of Monday, Dec. 8.
Testimony and Evidence Presented So Far
Over three days, seven witnesses have testified. Among them were correctional officers who described extensive conversations with Mangione while he was held in solitary confinement in Pennsylvania. Police officers involved in his arrest also took the stand.
Prosecutors played a 911 call placed from a McDonald’s and body-worn camera footage from officers who apprehended Mangione while he was eating a Steak, Egg and Cheese McMuffin. Video of Mangione’s arrest and subsequent interrogation was shown in open court.
In court, Mangione watched the footage largely without visible emotion; he was observed conferring with his lawyers, taking notes and occasionally glancing toward supporters who have filled the courtroom’s upper gallery.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state charges that are the focus of this week's hearings. He also faces separate federal charges, where prosecutors have indicated he could potentially face the death penalty if convicted.
Next Steps
The suppression proceedings will pick up again on Dec. 8. The outcome of these hearings could determine what evidence is admissible at trial and shape how the case proceeds at both the state and federal levels.
