Defense challenges alleged illegal recording in Luigi Mangione case as dispute grows over mother’s statement

Defense attorneys for Luigi Mangione argued this week that prosecutors relied on evidence obtained through an illegal recording, as a high-stakes suppression hearing in his murder case came to a close in Manhattan court.

Mangione, 27, is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. During the final day of the hearing, his legal team said portions of Mangione’s police interrogation in Altoona, Pennsylvania, were recorded without his consent, a potential violation of state law. Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state, meaning all parties must agree to being recorded.

Following the defense challenge, prosecutors moved to withdraw the disputed recordings from evidence. The move avoids a direct ruling on the legality of the recordings but could limit what statements the jury will ultimately hear if the case proceeds to trial.

The hearing focused on whether key evidence gathered after Mangione’s arrest, including items recovered from his backpack and statements made during questioning, was obtained lawfully. Mangione was arrested in December 2024 at a McDonald’s in Altoona after police received a tip. Officers later recovered a handgun, ammunition and a homemade silencer, which prosecutors say link him to the killing.

Another major issue raised by the defense involves a statement publicly attributed to Mangione’s mother shortly after his arrest. At a police press briefing, investigators claimed she told authorities the shooting was something she “could see him doing.”

Defense attorneys say that remark was never made and does not appear anywhere in official reports or discovery materials.

According to the defense, Mangione’s mother actually expressed disbelief that her son could harm anyone and said she did not view him as a danger to himself or others. Lawyers argued that the alleged misstatement was both inaccurate and deeply damaging, shaping public perception of Mangione before any evidence was tested in court.

Prosecutors have not produced documentation supporting the version of the mother’s statement cited by police, and the issue remains unresolved.

The judge overseeing the case is expected to rule in the coming months on whether the remaining evidence will be allowed at trial. Mangione has pleaded not guilty and faces both state and federal charges related to the killing.