DA won’t use Mangione’s initial statements after arrest; defense claims rights violated.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office will not use statements made by Luigi Mangione during his initial custody in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after his December 2024 arrest in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, following defense claims that recordings continued after he invoked his right to an attorney. The decision came during a suppression hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court, where prosecutors withdrew the statements. Defense attorneys argued the warrantless search of Mangione’s backpack violated his constitutional rights, citing the recovery of a 9 mm handgun, a notebook with targeting notes, a to-do list, and receipts for a digital camera and medical masks. Prosecutors maintained the search was lawful for officer safety and later obtained a warrant. The hearing continues as the court determines which evidence will be admissible at trial.