Luigi Mangione returned to court smiling as his defense argued Pennsylvania officers violated his rights after his arrest at an Altoona McDonald’s following the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. An Altoona evidence custodian testified about routine searches and evidence logging, while the defense sought suppression of items from Mangione’s backpack and statements he allegedly made. Prosecutors maintain the searches were lawful and say the only un-Mirandized remark was an alleged false name tied to a phony ID. The defense also challenged evidence-handling after multiple bags were transferred to the NYPD without times noted.
Smiles in Court: Mangione’s Defense Says Pennsylvania Police Violated His Rights After Altoona McDonald’s Arrest
Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Criminal Court Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in New York.
NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione smiled for cameras as he returned to court Tuesday for hearings in which his lawyers argued that Pennsylvania officers violated his constitutional rights during and after his arrest at an Altoona McDonald’s. The arrest followed the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan.
Luigi Mangione, charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, appears in State Supreme Court in Manhattan during an evidence suppression hearing in his case Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
Court Testimony and Evidence Handling
Altoona Police Officer George Featherstone was the first witness to testify. Featherstone, who serves as the department’s evidence custodian, described his duties: logging new items and helping oversee the secure evidence room. He told the court he could not recall an instance when items such as backpacks brought to the precinct were not searched and said officers typically check every compartment. He also testified the department would not return contraband to an individual.
Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Criminal Court, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in New York.
Defense Motion To Suppress
Mangione’s lawyers asked the judge to suppress evidence taken from his backpack after his arrest and to block statements he allegedly made during a confrontation at the McDonald’s and to jail staff in the subsequent days. A body-language expert testified that Mangione’s demeanor during the McDonald’s encounter raised "red flags," the court heard.
Luigi Mangione allegedly killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Prosecutors’ Response
Prosecutors countered that officers acted lawfully and that the warrantless search of the bag after a lawful arrest was routine and permissible. They argued the only potentially relevant statement made without Miranda warnings was an alleged false name given after Mangione presented a phony ID.
Luigi Mangione, charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, appears in State Supreme Court in Manhattan during an evidence suppression hearing in his case Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
Questions About Evidence Chain
On cross-examination the defense pressed on evidence-handling practices, pointing out that multiple bags were transferred to the NYPD—the lead investigative agency in Thompson’s murder probe—without times written on them. The defense contends such gaps could undermine the chain of custody for key items.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Mangione faces a second-degree murder charge in New York that carries a potential sentence of life in prison if convicted. He also faces federal charges that could carry the death penalty, along with additional charges in Pennsylvania. Proceedings on the suppression motion continue as courts weigh the admissibility of disputed evidence and statements.
Note: The hearing focuses on whether evidence seized and statements gathered after Mangione’s arrest were obtained in compliance with constitutional protections under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.
