Ivy League suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing pleads not guilty

On December 24, 2024By Littum

Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 in Manhattan, pleaded not guilty in a New York State court in Manhattan on Monday morning.

Mangione, 26, faced 11 state charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder as a terroristic offense and several weapons charges. If convicted of the most serious charge, he could face life in prison without parole.

The charges include one count of first-degree murder, a Class AI felony; two counts of second-degree murder, a Class AI felony; two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C felony; four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony; one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a Class E felony; and one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a Class D felony.

Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, argued during the hearing that statements made by officials, such as New York City Mayor Eric Adams, jeopardized her client’s right to a fair trial.

UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO MURDER: DEATH PENALTY ON THE TABLE FOR SUSPECT LUIGI MANGIONE, WHO FACES FEDERAL CHARGES

Luigi Mangione enters the courtroom of the New York City Criminal Court

Luigi Mangione enters the courtroom in New York City Criminal Court on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. Mangione is on trial on state charges for the alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital)

“I am very concerned about my client’s right to a fair trial,” Agnifilo said, raising further concerns about Mangione’s treatment since he arrived in New York City.

“He’s a young man and he’s being treated like a human ping pong ball” between two warring jurisdictions, Agnifilo said, adding that the overwhelming police presence upon his arrival in New York City on Thursday was the worst perp parade she’d ever seen .

“This must stop and my client has the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence,” Agnifilo said, vowing to fight the charges.

Mangione will remain in federal custody until a transfer is worked out between state and federal authorities. His next court date was scheduled for February 21.

As Mangione left court with an escort of police, he appeared to raise his eyebrows and shake his head in response to a question from the media.

Protesters were seen outside the courthouse chanting “free Luigi” and holding signs that read: “America’s health care stole my livelihood, prosecutors, evil profiteers” and “family court has blood on its hands.”

Luigi Mangione leaves Manhattan Criminal Court on December 23, 2024 in New York City. Mangione, 26, was charged with state murder for the Dec. 4 slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)

Since Mangione’s capture, both his alleged actions and physical appearance have captivated social media users, which erupted with positive posts about the murder suspect.

New York prosecutors say Mangione planned to travel to New York, find Thompson, a Minnesota resident in town for UnitedHealthcare’s annual shareholder conference, and kill him. Mangione allegedly shot Thompson from behind with a 3D-printed ghost gun and suppressor.

Thompson was appointed to CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. He is survived by his wife Paulette “Pauley” Thompson, 51, and their two children.

Prosecutors say Mangione fled New York City within an hour of the crime and traveled to Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo arrives at Luigi Mangione's interrogation

Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo arrives at Luigi Mangione’s arraignment in New York City Criminal Court, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. Agnifilo is representing Mangione as he faces state charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital)

Altoona police arrested Mangione at a McDonald’s five days later on Dec. 9 after receiving a tip from an employee. The suspect reportedly presented local police with a fake ID and appeared to start shaking when they asked if he had been to New York recently.

Officials also found a handwritten manifesto condemning the health sector, which NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny previously told Fox News. The manifesto specifically mentioned UnitedHealthcare.

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While officials have not commented on an official motive, the public has speculated that the suspect had strong grievances with both the health care and insurance industries.

Fox News’ Maria Paronich, Grace Taggart and Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.