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Pre-trial hearing reveals arrest details in high-profile murder case
Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson in 2024, attended a pre-trial hearing this week where prosecutors presented previously unseen footage of his arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald's. The hearing focuses on whether evidence seized during his detention-including a firearm and written notes-should be admissible in the upcoming trial.
Eyebrows and a tip: How police identified the suspect
Mangione's arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, nearly 250 miles from the Manhattan crime scene, hinged on a customer's observation at a fast-food restaurant. An employee called police after a patron noted a resemblance between a hooded, masked man and the suspect in Thompson's killing. The only visible feature? His distinctive eyebrows.
Prosecutors later introduced notecards allegedly found in Mangione's possession, including one with the instruction: "Change hat, shoes, pluck eyebrows." Witnesses testified that officers initially dismissed the tip as implausible-until they saw the suspect in person.
"It's him. I'm not kidding. He's real nervous. It's him,"
Officer to Altoona Lieutenant William Hanelly, in a recorded call played in court
Arrest footage shows tense confrontation
Body-camera videos played in court captured Mangione's arrest on December 9, 2024, as Christmas music blared in the background. Officers described his demeanor as "nervous" and noted his use of a fake ID under the name "Mark Rosario." When asked to lower his mask, Mangione complied, later admitting his real identity.
Footage also showed officers searching his backpack, where they found a 9mm handgun, a silencer, stacks of $100 bills, and a journal prosecutors described as a "manifesto" targeting the "greed-fueled health insurance cartel." Defense attorneys argued the search violated Mangione's rights, while prosecutors cited exceptions to warrant requirements.
Defense challenges evidence amid courtroom drama
Mangione, 27, sat quietly through the proceedings, occasionally conferring with his legal team-wife-and-husband duo Karen Friedman Agnifilo and Marc Agnifilo, the latter known for defending Sean "Diddy" Combs in a recent acquittal. Supporters filled the courtroom, some wearing pins depicting Mangione as a saint-like figure.
Defense attorneys objected to the repeated playing of footage highlighting the journal, accusing prosecutors of attempting to prejudice the jury. An officer testified that the search was halted midway to avoid "a mess," with remaining items-including a passport and hair trimmer-logged as evidence.
What's next in the case
The hearing, which resumed this week, will continue as both sides call additional witnesses, including McDonald's employees and arresting officers. No trial date has been set. Mangione faces state murder charges and federal counts that could carry the death penalty if convicted.
