Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, spoke out for the first time since his arrest on Dec. 4, 2024. In a statement released Feb. 15, 2025, via a website managed by his legal team, Mangione thanked supporters for their overwhelming backing.
He faces federal and state charges, including first-degree murder as an act of terrorism, which could lead to the death penalty or life without parole. Yet, his case has ignited a firestorm, raising nearly $500,000 for his defense and stirring debate over his mental state and motives.
Mangione’s words came after months of silence, save for a chaotic rant before a Pennsylvania court appearance last year. He expressed gratitude, saying he reads every letter sent to him at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
Mail has poured in from across the U.S. and beyond, crossing political, racial, and class lines, he noted. This support, alongside his Ivy League roots and a manifesto slamming the healthcare industry, has turned him into a polarizing figure—part folk hero, part accused killer.
Experts suggest Mangione’s legal team might pivot to an insanity defense, given the mountain of evidence tying him to Thompson’s death outside a Manhattan hotel. Dr. Todd Hill, a Los Angeles psychiatrist not involved in the case, told In Touch that Mangione’s actions hint at deep psychological turmoil.
Social media posts linked to him reveal a Lyme disease diagnosis at 13, followed by “brain fog” and chronic pain from a surfing injury. Dr. Hill explained that Lyme can trigger mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even psychosis in up to 30% of cases, especially when onset is young.
Mangione’s isolation—cutting off family and praising the Unabomber online—points to paranoia, Dr. Hill added. A notebook found at his arrest slammed UnitedHealthcare, though he wasn’t a member.
Criminologist Dr. Casey Jordan, featured in the documentary “Who Is Luigi Mangione?” on Max, noted his Reddit posts show guilt over his privileged Maryland upbringing. She suggested a sharp mental shift turned the once-brilliant honor student into someone unrecognizable.
Family friend Giovanna Blatterman echoed this, saying in the documentary that his alleged crime defies his respected roots.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangione’s attorney, hinted at an insanity plea before taking his case, telling CNN the evidence is overwhelming but his mental state could be key. Legal expert Alan Dershowitz, writing for The Hill, agreed, noting that proving a lack of intent due to a “sick mind” might sway jurors, despite the manifesto’s calculated tone.
Mangione’s case has tapped into widespread frustration with healthcare, fueling his $500,000 defense fund. Supporters see him as a symbol, though Dr. Hill stressed this doesn’t justify murder—it just explains the rationalization.
Producer Dan Abrams told In Touch that Mangione’s looks and “cause” might earn juror sympathy, complicating his Feb. 21 state court hearing and March 19 federal appearance. For now, he remains in custody, his fate hinging on a jury’s view of his mind and motives.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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