Luigi Mangione’s legal team paints a picture of his life as once “beautiful and promising” but now “derailed” by the weighty murder charges he faces.

This poignant description doesn’t come from a chorus of Mangione supporters but is, in fact, a strategic line from his attorney. The defense has submitted a legal motion to either dismiss the federal case altogether or eliminate the possibility of a death sentence.

During a crucial evidence suppression hearing for Mangione’s impending trial, prosecutors presented a pivotal 911 call. This call was made by the manager of a McDonald’s restaurant located in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

While the identity of the McDonald’s manager remains undisclosed, this hearing marked the first public airing of the tense 911 call.

In the recording, the manager, sounding apologetic, explains to the 911 operator that she initially attempted to reach out via a non-emergency line. Amidst taking orders, she voices the concerns of patrons who identified Mangione as resembling the “CEO shooter” in New York. She conveys to the operator, “I have a customer here some other customers were suspicious of because he looks like the CEO shooter in New York. And they’re just really upset and come to me, and I’m like, I can’t approach him.”

The 911 operator, Emily States, testifies and is heard asking for a description of the individual, with the manager replying, “The only thing you can see is the eyebrows.”

Mangione’s defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, objects to the 911 call being played, but the judge says he is allowing the call for this hearing.

Mangione enters the courtroom in shackles, but the judge allows Mangione to sit unshackled and take notes at the defense table.

Long lines outside the courthouse filled with women and men supporters trying to enter the hearing, hoping to get a glimpse of the alleged CEO murderer.

Mangione’s defense team is trying to prevent several key pieces of evidence from being allowed at trial, like the comment about the 3-D printed pistol.

Angifilo claims conversations with correction officers were illegally coerced and should not be allowed.

The defense claims Mangione is questioned for 20 minutes by Altoona Police Officer Joseph Detwiler without being read his Miranda rights.

Therefore, prosecutors should not be allowed to introduce any testimony about statements made by Mangione to police.

Joining Nancy Grace:

Additional Guests

• Skye Lazaro – Criminal Defense Attorney – with experience in both federal and state cases, Law Firm: Ray, Quinney & Nebeker; Facebook: SkyeBeth, Instagram: SkyeBeth1
• Dr. Judy Ho – Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, Author of ‘The New Rules of Attachment’; and ‘Stop Self-Sabatoge;’ IG & X: @drjudyho; FB: doctorjudyho
• Tom Smith – Former NYPD Detective for 30 years – Narcotics, Robbery Squad, Gang Investigations – was also assigned to the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Co-Host of the GOLD SHIELDS Podcast; FB & Instagram: @thegoldshieldshow

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo: FILE – Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appears in Manhattan state court in New York, Sept. 16, 2025. (Curtis Means/Pool Photo via AP, file)]