Luigi Mangione’s Defense Argues Against Use of DNA Evidence

The arrest of Luigi Mangione sparked a major legal debate, particularly on the handling of his arrest and DNA evidence by Pennsylvania police.

Quick Takes

Luigi Mangione was arrested for allegedly killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mangione’s defense says police collected Mangione’s DNA by offering him a snack during his arrest, which they claim is illegal because they did not have probable cause to arrest him in the first place.
Mangione’s defense asserts the evidence handling and arrest were unconstitutional.
Key charges against Mangione include murder and stalking, with related trials in Pennsylvania and New York.

Allegations of Illegal DNA Collection

Pennsylvania police detained Luigi Mangione following an anonymous 911 call identifying a suspicious male matching his description. His lawyer argues the detention lacked objective grounds and that police made the arrest merely on a hunch without initially reading him his rights or informing him of the allegations against him. The defense also says that because the arrest was illegal, the fact that officers obtained Mangione’s DNA by offering him a snack during his time at the police station was also illegal. Thus, the defense argues, any DNA collected should not be used as evidence.

This method of evidence collection is argued by the defense to be illegal without probable cause or valid consent, raising questions about the admissibility of the evidence. Mangione’s attorney alleged that these actions were designed to exhibit authority and control over Mangione while violating his rights.

Luigi Mangione claims cops illegally collected his DNA by giving him snacks after McDonald’s arrest https://t.co/7tGbj5NEBp pic.twitter.com/TzggMwK6Go

— New York Post (@nypost) March 17, 2025

Multiple Charges in Different Jurisdictions

Beyond the Pennsylvania charges, Mangione faces serious allegations in New York, addressing both state and federal offenses. His actions are connected to the December 4 shooting of Brian Thompson in Manhattan. Evidence such as shell casings from the crime scene, inscribed with criticisms of insurance practices, points to potential motives linked to health insurance discontent.

He was arrested shortly after the attack, encountered with a “ghost gun” and false identification when taken into custody. Despite these accusations, Mangione has pleaded not guilty.

Legal Proceedings Underway

As Mangione awaits trial, his legal representation is focused on challenging the legality of the evidence acquired. They claim police violated his rights during arrest, noting failure to read him his rights and using speculative actions without reasonable suspicion. The defense is pressing for the exclusion of both the DNA evidence and items seized during his arrest, including the weapons and IDs.

As this legal saga unfolds, the outcomes hinge significantly on how the judiciary interprets the actions of Pennsylvania’s law enforcement and the validity of the evidence they gathered.