Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to federal and state murder charges that carry the possibility of life imprisonment, is challenging the legality of the backpack search. His lawyers argue that officers violated his rights by examining items—including a gun alleged to match the murder weapon and a notebook with purported threats—before obtaining a warrant. Prosecutors maintain that the search was consistent with Altoona police protocols, which require officers to promptly check a suspect’s property for dangerous items at the time of arrest. A subsequent warrant was obtained, and an inventory search at the police station cataloged the remaining contents, including the firearm, silencer, and handwritten notes.
Judge schedules hearing on police search procedures in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case
