Luigi Mangione back in court as key questions remain over case ahead of murder trial

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, is back in court in New York ahead of his murder trial, which begins next month.

A judge on Tuesday could hash out more ground rules for the trial and other aspects of the case, which has attracted national attention.

It has also created an online frenzy, with both his backers - many of whom see Mangione as a symbol of the backlash against US healthcare costs - and his critics analysing everything from his intentions to his appearance.

The case is likely to become an even bigger spectacle when jury selection for the trial begins on 8 September.

Mangione, if found guilty, could face decades behind bars. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including second-degree murder and weapons-related offences.

Much of what is expected at the state trial – the prosecutor's case, Mangione's defence, and obstacles both parties face – were previewed in months of court filings and arguments, but some questions remain unanswered.

One of the most crucial elements of the Mangione case was decided earlier this summer, after a multi-day hearing in December where the judge weighed which evidence prosecutors could present during trial.

Mangione's team mounted an aggressive bid to exclude evidence recovered from his Pennsylvania arrest. It alleged that state police improperly seized and searched Mangione's possessions, and did not properly advise him of his constitutional rights before questioning him.