Early Monday morning, numerous fervent fans of Luigi Mangione gathered outside the state courthouse in Manhattan, eager to witness a crucial hearing concerning the accused CEO killer.
Judge Gregory Carro of New York is set to decide if prosecutors will be allowed to present significant evidence to the jury, including the alleged murder weapon and an anti-corporate “manifesto” discovered in Mangione’s backpack following the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Among the supporters, one woman donned a “Free Luigi” shirt, while others displayed pins featuring Mangione’s face.Â
Another supporter wore a shirt depicting Mangione’s face within a heart-shaped Italian flag with the words “Italian boys.”
Mangione, 28, is charged with the fatal shooting of the health insurance CEO on a street in Midtown Manhattan in December 2024.
Upon his arrest five days later at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, police reportedly found Mangione’s journal, where he allegedly expressed his desire to “whack” Thompson and described the act as “justified.” Prosecutors argue this constitutes a confession.
Judge Carro’s ruling on Monday regarding the admissibility of evidence from Mangione’s backpack could significantly impact the prosecution’s ability to prove Mangione’s involvement in Thompson’s killing.
Prosecutors still have access to surveillance footage of the shooting, as well as fingerprint and DNA evidence, and a phone retrieved by police.
In the federal murder case against Mangione, also in New York City, US District Judge Margaret Garnett decided in January that evidence from the backpack is permissible.
Mangione’s state trial is scheduled to begin next month, with the federal trial set for January 2027.
