New York Judge Gregory Carro ruled Monday that crucial evidence, including the alleged murder weapon, will be admissible in the state murder trial of Luigi Mangione, accused in the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. However, the judge also ordered that certain evidence seized from Mangione's backpack during his arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald's must be suppressed.

Mangione faces both state and federal trials for the December 2024 killing. The judge's decision on the admissibility of evidence is critical in shaping the upcoming high-profile trial, which is scheduled to commence on September 8.

Judge Carro determined that Mangione's backpack was not within his immediate reach when Altoona police apprehended him at the McDonald's. Consequently, the initial warrantless search of the backpack at the restaurant was deemed improper. Evidence found during this search, including a magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet, and a computer chip, will be suppressed.

In contrast, the judge ruled that a subsequent search of the backpack at the police station was a valid inventory search. This allowed for the admission of items discovered at the stationhouse, such as the alleged 3D-printed gun, a notebook containing notes about escape routes, and handwritten slips of paper. Prosecutors contend that the notebook entries suggest a motive, with one entry stating, "The target is insurance. It checks every box."

Statements made by Mangione to Altoona officers, particularly his explanation for initially providing a false name, will also be suppressed. However, statements he made to two Pennsylvania corrections officers, including discussions about healthcare, international travel, and his public perception, have been deemed admissible.

Defense lawyers had argued that the warrantless search of Mangione's backpack violated his rights and had urged the judge to exclude the seized evidence. Law enforcement officers involved in the arrest had attempted to justify the initial search.

Mangione appeared in court on Monday in a dark suit, seated at the defense table with court officers standing behind him. A small group of supporters, some wearing "Free Luigi" shirts, observed the proceedings from the back rows.

The ruling by Judge Carro helps define the scope of evidence that will be presented as Mangione's state trial for the killing of Brian Thompson moves forward.