NEW YORK, USA - Luigi Mangione, 26, has been formally charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to New York prosecutors on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Court records reveal Mangione faces one count of second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and charges for possession of a forged document and a weapon silencer.
Thompson, 50, was fatally shot on 4 December outside a Hilton hotel in Manhattan. The incident occurred just before a shareholder conference.
The brazen daylight attack has sparked nationwide attention, culminating in Mangione's arrest five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Mangione was apprehended by Altoona police at a McDonald's after staff and a customer recognised him from a wanted poster. Rookie officer Tyler Frye led the arrest, confirming Mangione's identity when he removed his mask and beanie.
"Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi's arrest," the statement read. "We offer prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved."
The family stated they were only aware of the facts reported in the media and declined further comment.
Mangione's arrest shocked many who knew him. A former classmate from the Gilman School in Baltimore described him as "a smart kid" who always appeared to "do the right thing."
"A smart kid," said his former classmate from Gilman School where Mangione graduated as valedictorian in 2016.
Mangione went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. However, troubling details about Mangione's past have also surfaced. He was cited in Hawaii in 2023 for entering a restricted state park area. In court, Mangione pleaded guilty and paid a $100 fine.
Mangione is expected to be extradited to New York this week. If convicted, he faces significant prison time. Prosecutors have described the attack as targeted, pointing to surveillance footage and forensic evidence linking Mangione to the crime.
"The murder of Thompson...has sent shockwaves through the corporate world."