Judge in Luigi Mangione's N.Y. case says gun, notebook can be used as evidence in state trial

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Updated on: May 18, 2026 / 10:18 AM EDT

/ CBS New York

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A New York judge ruled that a gun and notebook that prosecutors say link Luigi Mangione to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson can be used during his state trial.A Monday morning hearing centered around the defense's bid to suppress evidence found in a backpack during Mangione's arrest, including a 3D-printed gun, a silencer and a notebook. Mangione's lawyers say their client was unlawfully searched when he was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The defense said law enforcement should've obtained a warrant before looking in the backpack. Prosecutors say the search was legal and part of standard police procedure. They said the backpack was searched after Mangione gave a false identity to officers.Judge Gregory Carro called it an "improper warrantless search" because it wasn't in the immediate reach of Mangione. He said the evidence found during an initial search of the backpack, including a gun magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet and computer chip must be suppressed. Carro ruled that prosecutors can use the gun and notebook as evidence because they were recovered at the police station when law enforcement continued searching the bag. Mangione is being tried on both federal and state charges for the December 2024 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He pleaded not guilty in both cases.