A New York state judge has barred prosecutors from introducing key items seized from Luigi Mangione’s backpack during a recent police stop in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as the case moves toward trial over the murder of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. The decision comes after a search of the backpack at a McDonald’s franchise revealed a loaded magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet and computer chip, all of which the judge ruled must be suppressed because Mangione was not in full possession of the bag when officers detained him.

The ruling, issued by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Gregory Carro, allows the defense to use a 3‑D‑printed firearm believed to have been used in Thompson’s shooting, as well as a journal that was later inventoried by police. Mangione is charged with fatally shooting Thompson on a midtown Manhattan street in December 2024 while Thompson was heading to an investor event for UnitedHealth Group.

Judge Carro emphasized that the backpack was not sufficiently under Mangione’s control at the time of the stop, a key factor in determining the admissibility of the evidence. The judge’s order does not affect the overall prosecution strategy but limits the evidence that can be presented at trial.

The case remains a high‑profile criminal proceeding, drawing attention to the procedural nuances of evidence collection and the rights of defendants under New York law.