Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4 in Manhattan, entered a plea of not guilty in a Manhattan criminal court on Monday morning.
Mangione, 26, faced 11 state charges, including murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree as a crime of terrorism, and multiple weapons charges. If convicted on the most serious charge, he could potentially face life in prison without parole.
The charges against Mangione encompass a range of offenses, from murder to criminal possession of weapons and a forged instrument. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 21, and he will remain in federal custody until a transfer is arranged between state and federal authorities.
New York prosecutors allege that Mangione meticulously planned to target Thompson, who was in New York for UnitedHealthcare's annual shareholder conference. The fatal shooting, carried out with a 3D-printed ghost gun and suppressor, resulted in Thompson's tragic death.
Brian Thompson, who assumed the role of UnitedHealthcare CEO in April 2021, leaves behind his wife Paulette 'Pauley' Thompson and their two children.
Following the crime, Mangione fled to Altoona, Pennsylvania, where local police apprehended him at a McDonald's establishment. The suspect's attempt to evade authorities was thwarted when he presented a fake ID and displayed signs of nervousness when questioned about his recent whereabouts.
Authorities discovered a handwritten manifesto in Mangione's possession, denouncing the health care industry and specifically targeting UnitedHealthcare. While an official motive has not been confirmed, speculation suggests that the suspect harbored deep-seated grievances against the health care and insurance sectors.
