English
A New York judge ruled Thursday that Luigi Mangione could be granted access to a laptop while in custody—if federal authorities approve—so he can review case materials related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Judge Gregory Carro stated he had “no objection” to Mangione receiving a restricted-use laptop for legal purposes. However, the final decision rests with federal officials at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Mangione is awaiting trial for Thompson’s December shooting death.
Thompson, 50, was fatally shot while heading to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. Mangione, a well-educated Ivy League graduate who was previously reported missing by his family, has pleaded not guilty to New York state charges, including murder as an act of terrorism. He also faces a federal murder charge but has yet to enter a plea.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons said it would review the request if formally submitted. If granted, the laptop would be kept in a designated visiting room for Mangione’s use.
Carro’s ruling followed a virtual meeting with attorneys on both sides, though the Associated Press requested unsuccessfully for it to be held in open court. The judge often holds such meetings privately to address scheduling and evidence-related matters, a court spokesperson said.
Mangione’s attorneys argued that the sheer volume of evidence—documents, videos, and other materials—made it impossible for him to properly review the case using only the shared inmate computers or during attorney visits. They insisted he needed a dedicated device to help prepare his defense.
Prosecutors, however, opposed the request, suggesting his lawyers could provide him access to key case materials instead.
During discussions about the laptop request, prosecutors also revealed that last month, a court officer intercepted a handwritten heart-shaped note of encouragement that was hidden inside a pair of socks intended for Mangione to wear to court. His attorneys claimed they were unaware of the note. The sender remains unidentified.
