Following an astonishing homicide that gripped the country, Dave Franco began getting text messages with similar content regarding himself.
His pals and associates playfully hinted to him that he resembles Luigi Mangione, who stands accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a busy New York City street during the daytime just recently.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Franco stated that he has never experienced such a large volume of text messages in his entire life, about any topic. (Posted on January 25)
As a devoted follower, I’ve noticed that many aren’t the only ones who’ve pointed out a striking resemblance between me and Mangione. For quite some time now, this likeness has been a hot topic on social media platforms. In fact, some enthusiasts have even proposed the idea of Franco being considered for the role of the murder suspect in a potential biographical movie or series, should one ever be produced.
During the interview, Alison Brie, seated next to her husband, playfully remarked, “I don’t believe any formal proposals have been made,” to which he replied, “Not officially.
Franco continued, “It’s just friends. Anyone who has my phone number has reached out about it.”
In the meantime, he has been occupied with acting ventures like the thriller “Together,” where he and Brie portray a couple who relocate to the countryside and inadvertently instigate a supernatural occurrence. This movie is scheduled to debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 26th.
26-year-old Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a five-day search initiated after the death of Thompson on December 4th. Later that same month, Mangione faced an indictment in New York City on 11 charges, which encompass first-degree murder and terrorism-related murder. He has entered a plea of not guilty for all counts and is currently detained, awaiting trial.
If found guilty on all charges, he could receive a maximum penalty of spending the rest of his life in prison with no chance for release.
Read on for more about the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson…
In a previous role, Brian Thompson served as CEO at UnitedHealthcare, having joined the company back in 2004. Before his tenure at UnitedHealthcare, he worked for PwC, as mentioned on his LinkedIn profile. Prior to graduating with honors from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in accounting, in May 1997, Thompson had been employed there, according to school public relations manager Steve Schmadeke, who shared this information with NBC News.
Thompson resided in Minnesota and was married to Paulette Thompson, although it was found through public records viewed by TopMob News that they had been living apart. He was the father of two sons. Tragically, Thompson was shot and killed in New York on December 4, 2024, at the age of 50.
6:46 a.m. on December 4, 2024 saw patrol officers from the NYPD’s Midtown North Precinct rushing to the New York Hilton Midtown hotel following a 911 call about a shooting victim. This was disclosed later in a press conference by NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. He added that the officers reached the scene at 6:48 a.m., discovering gunshot wounds on the victim’s back and leg. The CEO was declared dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital at 7:12 a.m., as reported by Emergency Medical Services.
NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch revealed during the press conference that the victim was in New York City for an investor conference, and it seemed the attacker had been waiting for several minutes before approaching from behind and firing multiple shots at the victim, hitting them at least once in the back and right calf. The suspect, who appeared to elude many passersby, may have been waiting specifically for his target.
Tisch described the shooting as a “pre-meditated, pre-planned, targeted attack” rather than a random act of violence. She emphasized that the NYPD’s investigation into this case is already underway and they will persist in finding and apprehending the shooter.
As per Kenny’s account, the gunman traveled to the New York Hilton Midtown on foot and arrived there five minutes ahead of Thompson. In a recorded statement, Kenny mentioned that Thompson was observed walking towards the Hilton at 6:44 am after leaving another nearby hotel for a UnitedHealth Group investor conference scheduled for 8 am on the same day.
Kenny further explained that the gunman, disregarding other pedestrians, approached Thompson from behind, fired shots, then continued walking and shooting. The shooter subsequently fled on foot before hopping onto an ebike, with the gunman seen entering Central Park at Center Drive by 6:48 am.
During the investigation, police recovered three live nine-millimeter rounds and three empty shell casings. During a press conference on December 6th, Kenny disclosed that the words “depose,” “delay,” and “deny” were written on one of the casings using marker.
However, Kenny stated that the motive behind the murder remains unconfirmed at this point.
In my expert opinion, during the press briefing on December 6th, I shared some insights about our ongoing investigation regarding a recent shooting incident. We have obtained footage showing that the suspect arrived at New York’s Port Authority bus terminal on November 24th. Based on our analysis, it appears this bus originated in Atlanta and had multiple stops along the way, so we’re still trying to pinpoint exactly where he boarded the bus.
Following his arrival at Port Authority, the suspect took a cab to the area around the Hilton hotel, where he remained for approximately half an hour before moving on to an Upper West Side hostel. The shooting occurred later in the morning, after the suspect had left the hostel at 5:30 a.m., arrived at the Hilton hotel at 5:41 a.m., spent some time in the vicinity of the hotel, stopped by a nearby Starbucks to grab a bottled water and snack, and then returned to the hotel. The shooting took place at 6:44 a.m.
After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on foot. We believe he entered Central Park at the intersection of 60th St. and Center Drive at 6:48 a.m., exiting through W. 77th St. and Central Park West at 6:56 a.m. At 7:00 a.m., we spotted him on W. 86th St without the bike, and four minutes later, he was seen getting into a cab at 86th St. and Amsterdam Avenue. Our investigation suggests that the suspect was last seen in the vicinity of the George Washington Bridge at 7:30 a.m.
At this point in our investigation, we believe the shooter may have left New York City after being seen at Port Authority on December 6th.
During a press conference on December 4, Kenny stated that the suspect seemed to be a man with fair skin, who was wearing a light-colored jacket, possibly brown or cream, a black face mask, sneakers with a black and white pattern, and a conspicuous gray backpack.
Over the subsequent days, the NYPD shared a sequence of images of the person they were searching for, in many instances with the subject’s face concealed by a mask.
On December 5, an NBC News source within senior law enforcement reported that images without a covered face came from surveillance footage at an Upper West Side hostel. Additionally, two officials informed NBC News that investigators were examining whether the individual utilized a false ID and cash to secure a room at the hostel.
Regarding why the suspect lowered his mask, Kenny explained during the December 6 briefing that there was a conversation while he was checking in, which appeared to be casual. At some point, the suspect allegedly pulled down his mask and smiled at the clerk.
Kenny also mentioned that a phone was discovered in an alley where the shooter escaped before reaching the ebike, but it’s uncertain if it belonged to the gunman. Two sources from law enforcement told NBC News that a backpack was found in Central Park as well.
Investigators are currently examining all potential leads, such as Thompson’s social media accounts and interviews with staff members and family, to advance the case. They are also collaborating with law enforcement agencies in Minnesota and Atlanta.
As an ardent fan, I can’t help but share the news that Luigi Mangione was apprehended by the Altoona Police Department on firearm charges last December 9th. The charges, as reported by NBC News from a criminal docket, include two felonies – one for forgery and one for carrying a firearm without a license. Additionally, he faces three misdemeanors: tampering with records or identification, possessing instruments of a crime, and providing false identification to law enforcement.
NYPD Commissioner Tisch stated that a McDonald’s employee recognized Mangione, prompting the Altoona police to be called. When questioned about his recent travels to New York, Mangione reportedly grew quiet and began shaking, according to NBC News.
Tisch also designated Mangione as a “person of interest” in Thompson’s murder case. She expressed gratitude towards law enforcement partners and the public for their assistance in the manhunt.
For more than five days, NYPD investigators meticulously sifted through countless hours of video footage, followed up on hundreds of tips, and processed every piece of forensic evidence – DNA, fingerprints, IP addresses, and much more – to tighten the net. They employed drones, canine units, scuba divers, and leveraged technology such as Argus cameras and aviation canvases. Detectives also went door-to-door interviewing potential witnesses and employing traditional detective work that NYPD is renowned for. This blend of old-school detective work and modern technology ultimately led to today’s arrest.
As I delved deeper into the case, it was uncovered that the suspect had multiple fake IDs, including one from the U.S., and was found carrying a concealed firearm and suppressor, which align with the weapon used in the crime. A mask resembling the one worn by our primary suspect was also seized, along with a fraudulent New Jersey ID that matched the one he used to check into the hostel before the shooting. Furthermore, officers discovered a hand-written note revealing insights into his motives and mental state.
On December 9th, NBC News confirmed that Manhattan authorities have charged Mangione with murder. In addition, he is being accused of three weapon-related offenses: two counts for illegally possessing loaded firearms (second-degree), and one count for possessing a silencer (third-degree). Furthermore, he’s been charged with the unlawful possession of a forged document. As of now, Mangione has not yet pleaded to any charges.
Based on NBC News reports citing the NYPD, Mangione was found with three brief pages of writings when he was arrested, totaling less than 300 words. The writings reportedly contained statements such as “Frankly these parasites had it coming,” indicating a sense of retribution. However, investigators have not definitively ruled out the involvement of other individuals at this stage.
The writings also suggested Mangione acted alone in his actions, but this claim has yet to be confirmed by the investigation. In addition, he expressed some regret for any distress or trauma caused, while expressing respect for federal agencies and their work.
In a recent interview on Today, Tisch, a law enforcement official, noted that while the writings showed anti-corporate sentiments and issues with healthcare, the specific motive behind Mangione’s actions remains unconfirmed as the investigation continues to unfold over the coming weeks and months.
On December 10, Mangione appeared at a court hearing in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, which is located in Blair County, as reported by NBC News. Upon his arrival, he vocally expressed his opinion to the families present, stating that the situation was “completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people.”
NBC News also mentioned that Mangione chose not to waive extradition to New York and was subsequently denied bail. Consequently, he will continue to be held in SCI Huntingdon prison within Pennsylvania.
His attorney, Thomas Dickey, addressed reporters and stated that Mangione intends to plead not guilty in both Pennsylvania and New York. He emphasized that at the present time, there is no evidence linking Mangione to the shooter, and he reiterated a key principle of American justice: the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Luigi Mangione, who holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering from an Ivy League school (confirmed by the University of Pennsylvania) and a Master’s degree in the same field, is currently under investigation for the murder of Brian Thompson and numerous other charges, such as forgery and illegal weapon possession, both in Pennsylvania and New York.
– He was born and raised in Maryland, with recent ties to Honolulu, but also having connections to San Francisco, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Kenny’s statement to NBC News.
– After Mangione’s apprehension, his family issued a statement on X, stating: “We are unable to comment on the news reports concerning Luigi Mangione. All we know is what has been reported in the media. Our family is stunned and heartbroken by Luigi’s arrest. We extend our sympathies to the Thompson family and ask for prayers for everyone involved. We are deeply saddened by this turn of events.
Following the news about the tragic incident, Brian Thompson’s family expressed profound sorrow over his untimely demise. In a statement acquired by NBC affiliate KARE in Minneapolis on Dec. 5, they shared their sentiments, saying “We are devastated to learn about the senseless loss of our cherished Brian. Brian was a man of immense love, generosity, and talent who lived life passionately and touched countless lives. Above all, he was an exceptional father to our two sons, whose absence will be deeply felt. We appreciate your sympathies and ask for privacy as we navigate through this challenging period.”
Additionally, Brian’s wife Paulette disclosed that he had received threats before his passing. When speaking with NBC News on Dec. 5, she mentioned, “Yes, there were some threats. I’m not entirely sure, but it seemed like a lack of attention or coverage. I don’t have all the details, only that Brian informed me about people threatening him.
In a heartfelt statement, UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, shared their profound sadness and shock over the passing of their cherished colleague, Thompson. As a sign of respect, their corporate headquarters in Minnesota flew flags at half-mast. On December 4th, they expressed that Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all, and they are cooperating with the New York Police Department during this challenging time, asking for patience and understanding. The company’s message conveyed their sympathy to Brian’s family and those close to him.
On December 5th, UnitedHealth Group acknowledged the tremendous outpouring of compassion and support following the tragic event, stating that many patients, healthcare professionals, associations, government officials, and others have reached out to express their condolences. They expressed gratitude for this kindness during their time of grief while also emphasizing their commitment to supporting Brian’s family, ensuring employee safety, and working with law enforcement to apprehend the perpetrator. The company requested privacy for the family during this difficult period and reaffirmed their dedication to their healthcare mission.
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2025-01-26 04:19