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Federal Judge Orders Hearing on Police Backpack Search in Luigi Mangiones Trial A federal judge in Luigi Mangiones trial has called for a swift hearing with a high-ranking official from the Altoona, Pennsylvania police department. The judge aims to review their policies on searching a suspects backpack immediately following an arrest, following Mangiones December 2024 arrest at a McDonalds in Pennsylvania, linked to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The backpack in question contained crucial evidence, including a loaded magazine found during a preliminary search at the scene and a pistol with a silencer and a journal detailing possible getaway plans. Mangiones defense team argues that this evidence should be inadmissible in court, as police conducted the search without a warrant. In previous state court hearings, Altoona officers testified that checking a suspects property, such as a backpack, is standard procedure for safety reasons. However, the defense contends that securing the backpack was acceptable, but searching its contents went too far. The federal hearing is expected to be brief and scheduled within the next two weeks. The police witness does not need to have been present at the arrest, as long as they can clearly explain department rules. Mangione, a twenty-seven-year-old, has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges in Thompsons death, which led to a nationwide manhunt. His legal team is also working to dismiss two federal counts, one of which could result in the death penalty if he is convicted. Checkout Solipillow.com

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