Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, remains in custody in Pennsylvania as his family shares a brief message of support amid the unfolding legal drama.
Following Mangione’s arrest on Dec. 9 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, his family broke their silence, expressing shock and offering prayers for everyone affected. In a statement shared by their attorney, David B. Irwin, the family conveyed their continued love for Mangione, a graduate of an Ivy League university, and wished him the best during this difficult time.
Irwin noted the family is still trying to piece together details of the case, learning most of what they know through media reports. “We love Luigi and wish him the best,” the statement read, adding that they are still unaware of “all the facts.”
The family further emphasized their devastation and extended condolences to Thompson’s family, stating, “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and ask people to pray for all involved.”
Arrest and Charges
Mangione was arrested in connection with the Dec. 5 murder of Brian Thompson in New York City. Pennsylvania authorities charged him with several crimes, including felony counts of forgery and carrying a firearm without a license, as well as three misdemeanors, according to court records obtained by NBC News.
In New York, Mangione faces more serious charges, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and possession of a forged instrument. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced her intention to sign an extradition warrant to bring Mangione back to New York to stand trial. However, Mangione has not waived extradition, requiring New York prosecutors to present evidence in court justifying his transfer.
Defense Maintains Innocence
Thomas Dickey, Mangione’s attorney in Pennsylvania, has maintained his client’s innocence, stating Mangione intends to plead not guilty to all charges in both states. “I haven’t seen any evidence that he’s the shooter,” Dickey said on Dec. 10, stressing the presumption of innocence. “This is not a small thing—a fundamental principle of American justice is that a person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
As the case progresses, details remain scarce, and the public continues to follow closely. The legal battle ahead will determine whether Mangione is extradited to New York and how the charges against him unfold.
