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🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Crime & Justice

Judge holds secret hearing in Mangione murder case

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • A judge held a secret hearing in the Luigi Mangione murder case despite objections from the press.
  • The hearing was sealed without explanation, denying media outlets the chance to challenge the decision.
  • Mangione faces separate state and federal trials for the alleged killing of healthcare executive Brian Thompson.

A New York state judge conducted a secret hearing in the case of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering healthcare executive Brian Thompson. Judge Gregory Carro sealed proceedings on Wednesday, overriding objections from press organizations that sought to ensure public access.

Mangione's state trial for the alleged shooting death of Thompson in late 2024 is slated for September 8. He also faces a federal trial related to the killing. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges in both cases. The murder case has drawn significant public attention, sparking outrage over practices within the for-profit US healthcare industry.

Just so the record is clear, we did have a virtual proceeding in the people versus Luigi Mangione case.

— Judge Gregory CarroJudge Carro confirmed that a virtual proceeding took place, but noted it was sealed at the defense's request.

The virtual conference was initially scheduled publicly. However, less than 24 hours before its start, New York state court administrators announced it would be sealed. Media outlets and their legal representatives had minimal time to contest the decision. Attorneys for several media organizations and at least one reporter submitted letters requesting to address the sealing issue before the hearing.

Defendant was present. His attorneys were present. The people were present.

— Judge Gregory CarroThe judge stated that all parties involved were present during the sealed virtual conference.

Despite the general presumption of public access to court proceedings in New York and U.S. courts, and the right of the press to object to sealing, Judge Carro did not allow any objections to be heard. He proceeded with the sealed virtual conference, stating that "at the request of the defense, that proceeding is sealed at the moment." He did not provide a reason for the sealing and adjourned the case to June 16 for a physical appearance, inviting the press to attend that session.

Carro's decision to seal the proceedings and deny the press an opportunity to be heard has raised concerns about transparency in the judicial process. The judge moved on to the next item on the agenda after members of the press stood, hoping to address the court on the access issue.

At the request of the defense, that proceeding is sealed at the moment and we have adjourned the case to June 16 and it’s a physical appearance and you’re all invited to be here.

— Judge Gregory CarroCarro explained the sealed nature of the proceeding and announced the date for the next physical appearance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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