Luigi Mangione's Friend Shares Why Dating "Wasn't Possible" for Him

As a seasoned observer of human events, I find myself deeply moved by the tragic tale unfolding before us. The life and untimely death of Brian Thompson, a man who seemed to have it all – wealth, power, and a loving family – is a poignant reminder that even the most successful among us are not immune to the shadows that lurk in the corners of our society.

It’s known that Luigi Mangione faced challenges in his romantic relationships long prior to the time when accusations were made against him for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as reported by a close friend.

As a resident at Surfbreak in 2022, I’ve learned that the individual, who is currently facing murder charges related to Thompson’s shooting on Dec. 4, has endured chronic back problems that have significantly impacted his romantic connections, as shared by R.J. Martin, the founder of this Hawaiian co-living space.

Martin shared in an interview with the New York Times on December 9 that there was an issue with his back alignment. Specifically, he mentioned that some of his lower vertebrae were slightly displaced by about half an inch, which may have caused a compressed nerve.

Because of his pain, Martin stated that Mangione realized “dating and having a physical relationship given his back condition was not feasible.

In August of 2023, as Martin shared, Mangione departed from Hawaii. He had sent Martin photos of his back surgery, which Martin received during a text check-up.

Despite exchanging occasional messages over the next few months, Martin mentioned that he didn’t meet Mangione in person ever since then.

On December 9, Mangione was taken into custody at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania following a call made by an employee to the local authorities regarding a man acting suspiciously, who bore a resemblance to the male suspect from a recent shooting incident in New York City. This information is drawn from a criminal complaint acquired by TopMob News.

Pennsylvania officials stated in their report that when questioned on the scene, Mangione showed false identification, a counterfeit New Jersey driver’s license. Upon taking Mangione to the local police station, they discovered a 3D-printed black handgun and a black silencer hidden inside his backpack, as detailed in the complaint.

The senior law enforcement officials told NBC News that they regret any distress or harm caused, however, they felt it was necessary. In simpler terms, they were saying, “We’re sorry for any hardship and pain inflicted, but we felt compelled to act this way.” Alternatively, they expressed, “Unfortunately, these individuals deserved their fate.

Following Mangione’s apprehension, Tom Dickey, his lawyer, implied that it appears he may contest the murder allegation by pleading not guilty.

He explained to reporters on December 10th that there’s no proof suggesting he’s the one who pulled the trigger. It’s important to recall here, and this isn’t trivial: A key principle in American law is the assumption of innocence, meaning someone isn’t considered guilty until they are proven so beyond any reasonable doubt.

Keep reading for an in-depth look at the Thompson shooting case.

Additionally, Joseph Kenney, the NYPD’s Chief of Detectives, stated that along with other items, Mangione had a lengthy document purportedly penned by himself containing negative sentiments towards large corporations.

“To be honest, these individuals deserved such consequences.

Following Mangione’s apprehension, his legal representative, Tom Dickey, suggested that he is expected to assert his innocence regarding the murder accusation.

As an ardent admirer, let me emphasize that I haven’t come across any solid proof indicating he’s the one responsible for the shooting. It’s crucial to recall this point – it’s not merely a trivial matter. The bedrock of American justice lies in the presumption of innocence, and until there’s irrefutable evidence that establishes guilt beyond any reasonable doubt, we must uphold this principle.

Keep reading for an in-depth look at the Thompson shooting case.

As a seasoned professional in the health sector, I found my calling at UnitedHealthcare, a position I gratefully stepped into in 2004. Over the years, I climbed the ranks, honing my skills and gaining valuable experience, until I was privileged to assume the role of CEO in 2021.

Before joining UnitedHealthcare, Thompson previously worked at PwC, as stated on his LinkedIn profile. Furthermore, according to Steve Schmadeke from the University of Iowa’s public relations department, Thompson graduated with honors in May 1997, earning a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in accounting. This information was shared with NBC News.

In Minnesota, Thompson resided, being wedded to Paulette Thompson, although it’s been discovered through TopMob News’ examination of public records that they had been maintaining separate households. He was also the proud parent of two boys.

He was shot and killed in New York on Dec. 4, 2024. Thompson was 50 years old.

6:46 a.m. on December 4, 2024, officers from the NYPD’s Midtown North Precinct were dispatched to a shooting incident outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel, as confirmed by NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny during a press conference later that day.

At exactly 6:48 a.m., officers arrived at the location and discovered gunshot injuries on Thompson’s back and leg. The head detective mentioned that emergency responders moved Thompson several blocks to Mount Sinai West, where the hospital CEO confirmed his death at 7:12 a.m.

According to NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch during a press conference, the victim was visiting New York City to address an investor gathering. It seems that the perpetrator had been hiding for several minutes. As the victim walked towards their hotel for the conference, the suspect suddenly appeared from behind and fired multiple shots, hitting the victim at least twice – once in the back and once in the right calf. Several individuals walked past the suspect, but it’s believed he was waiting specifically for his target.

As a devoted admirer putting this into my own words, I’d say that what transpired wasn’t some senseless, spontaneous outburst of violence, but rather a carefully thought-out, deliberately executed strike against a specific target – a premeditated and planned attack.

Investigations by the New York City Police Department are actively progressing,” she emphasized, “and we won’t stop working until we find and bring to justice the individual responsible for this shooting.

As reported by Kenny, the gunman made his way to the New York Hilton Midtown on foot, reaching the hotel’s entrance about five minutes ahead of Thompson’s scheduled arrival.

In the video, Kenny went on to say that Thompson appeared to be walking by himself towards the Hilton at 6:44 a.m., having left his own hotel, which was nearby, presumably for a UnitedHealth Group investors meeting that was slated to start at 8 a.m. on that specific day.

The chief detective added the shooter—who ignored “numerous other pedestrians”—approached Thompson from behind, shot him, walked towards him and continued shooting.

Kenny stated that the armed individual initially escaped on foot but later hopped onto an electric bike, while the shooter was spotted heading towards Central Park’s Center Drive at around 6:48 a.m.

Kenny said three live nine-millimeter rounds and three discharged shell casings were recovered during the investigation. During a Dec. 6 press briefing, Kenny said the words “depose,” “delay” and “deny” were written on the shell casing in marker.

However, he’s noted the motive for the killing has yet to be confirmed.

At a press conference on December 6th, Kenny stated that investigators possess video evidence showing the gunman arriving at Port Authority in New York City on November 24th at night.

Kenny added, “I think the bus started in Atlanta. It makes several stops, though, so we’re unsure as to where exactly he boarded the bus.

Following the arrival of the gunman at Port Authority, Kenny carried on, the shooter hailed a taxi towards the area of the Hilton hotel. He remained there for approximately half an hour before taking another taxi to a hostel located on the Upper West Side.

At 5:30 a.m. on the day of the shooting, Kenny mentioned, the gunman exited the hostel and reached the Hilton hotel by 5:41 a.m. According to Kenny, the gunman continued strolling around the hotel area before heading to a nearby Starbucks. There he bought a bottle of water and a snack. He returned to the hotel, and the shooting took place at 6:44 a.m.

Following the incident, the shooter is reported to have escaped from the location. According to Kenny, the gunman was observed entering Central Park at the intersection of 60th Street and Center Drive around 6:48 a.m., exiting through W. 77th St. and Central Park West at approximately 6:56 a.m. At 7:00 a.m., Kenny noted, the gunman was spotted on W. 86^th Street without his bike. The chief detective further stated that four minutes later, at 86^th St. and Amsterdam Avenue, the shooter hailed a taxi. By 7:30 a.m., Kenny said, the gunman was sighted in the area of the George Washington Bridge.

On December 6, according to Kenny’s statement to CNN, investigators believed that the shooter had departed from New York City following his sighting at Port Authority.

At the December 4th briefing, Kenny shared that the suspect seemed to be a man with a lighter complexion. He was described as wearing a jacket that could be light brown or cream-colored, a black and white pair of sneakers, a black face mask, and a particularly noticeable gray backpack. Over the subsequent days, the NYPD released various photos of the person they were seeking. In several of these images, the individual’s face was concealed by a mask.

As an over-the-moon fanatic, I’d rephrase it like this: On December 5th, a senior enforcer in the law’s realm shared with NBC News that the maskless snaps originated from a CCTV at an Upper West Side lodging house. Furthermore, two distinct enforcers hinted to the same news outlet that investigators are currently scrutinizing whether this person employed a forged ID and cash to secure a room in the hostel.

As for what led the individual to lower the face mask?

It seems that during the check-in process, there was a chat between them, nothing too formal, Kenny mentioned at the December 6th meeting. At one moment, he lowered his mask and flashed a smile towards the clerk.

Additionally, Kenny mentioned a phone was discovered in the same alley from which the gunman escaped and proceeded towards an e-bike; however, it remains uncertain if this device was the shooter’s own. Furthermore, two separate law enforcement sources informed NBC News that a backpack was located within Central Park.

Kenny mentioned that investigators are examining all possible leads related to the case, such as Thompson’s social media accounts, conversations with colleagues and relatives, and they’re collaborating with law enforcement agencies in Minnesota and Atlanta too.

On December 9th, the Altoona Police Department in Pennsylvania took Luigi Mangione into custody on firearm-related charges. As reported by NBC News from court documents, these allegations involve two felony offenses: one for forgery and another for carrying a firearm without a license. Additionally, there are three misdemeanors: tampering with records or identification, possessing tools used in criminal activities, and providing false identification to the police.

According to NYPD Commissioner Tisch, an employee at McDonald’s identified Mangione, prompting a call to the Altoona police. When asked if he had been in New York recently, Mangione reportedly grew quiet and began shaking, as stated by NBC News.

“For just over five days, our NYPD investigators combed through thousands of hours of video, followed up on hundreds of tips, and processed every bit of forensic evidence: DNA, finger prints, IP addresses and so much more to tighten the net,” she said. “We deployed drones, canine units, and scuba divers. We leveraged the domain awareness system, Argus cameras and conducted aviation canvases, and our detectives also went door to door interviewing potential witnesses and doing the good old fashioned police work that our investigators are famous for. This combination of old school detective work and new age technology is what led to this result today.”

Alongside his suspicious behavior, Tisch pointed out, Mangione was found possessing several fake identity documents and an authentic U.S. passport as well.

During a press conference on December 9th (as reported by NBC News), she explained that upon closer examination, officers found a firearm and a silencer on the suspect, which matched the weapon used in the murder. Additionally, they discovered clothing items, including a mask similar to those worn by our primary suspect.

In addition, the officers who apprehended Tisch found a fake New Jersey identification card that corresponded with the one the suspect had utilized to register at the New York hostel before the incident, which later turned out to be a shooting.

Moreover, they found a personally penned note that hints at his reasons for acting and his mental disposition.

On December 9th, court records show that Manhattan prosecutors have accused Mangione of murder. He is additionally charged with three weapon-related offenses: two counts of second-degree possession of a loaded firearm, one count of third-degree possession (like a silencer), and an additional charge for possessing a falsified document.

He has yet to enter a plea for any charges.

As reported by NBC News, backed up by the NYPD, Mangione was found with approximately three pages of writings amounting to less than 300 words during his arrest. According to three senior law enforcement sources, these writings included phrases such as “Frankly, these undesirables deserved their fate.

According to the documents, Mangione claimed his actions were solo endeavors. Nonetheless, these authorities have not yet dismissed the possibility of other parties involved as of now, as reported to NBC News.

According to NBC News, it was stated in Mangione’s writings: “I understand and appreciate the work you do for our nation, Feds, so I’ll be brief. To avoid a thorough probe, I openly declare that I haven’t been collaborating with anyone.

Officials noted that Mangione further expressed, “I offer my sincere apologies for any discord or distress, as regrettable as it may have been, it was necessary.

However, Tisch noted Mangione’s motive has yet to be confirmed.

In a December 10 interview on Today, she stated that when examining the manifesto – a three-page written statement found – it’s clear there is strong anti-corporate sentiment and numerous concerns about the healthcare industry. However, she added, the specific reason behind this action may become more apparent as the ongoing investigation progresses over the coming weeks and months.

On December 10, Mangione went to a hearing at the courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania which is located in Blair County. Upon his arrival, as reported by NBC News, he expressed to the families present, “It’s utterly detached and an affront to the common sense of the American people.

According to reports, Mangione chose not to relinquish his right to avoid being sent to New York. Consequently, he is unable to post bond and must continue to serve his time at the SCI Huntingdon prison in Pennsylvania.

As a devoted follower, I’d like to share that I intend to plead not guilty in Pennsylvania, and it’s highly probable that I’ll take the same stance in New York. My legal representative, Thomas Dickey, conveyed this information to the media.

He stated, as reported by NBC News, that there’s no proof to suggest he’s the one who pulled the trigger. It’s crucial to recall here that a key tenet of American law is the assumption of innocence, meaning someone isn’t considered guilty until they have been proven so convincingly that all reasonable doubt is removed.

Mangione stands accused in the killing of Brian Thompson and has multiple allegations against him, spanning from Pennsylvania to New York. These charges encompass offenses like forgery and unlawful firearm ownership.

He graduated from an Ivy League university in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, as confirmed by NBC News.

The current head of detective operations at the NYPD, Kenny, disclosed more information about Mangione’s background. He revealed that Mangione was not only born in Maryland but also spent his childhood there. However, as per his latest records, he resides in Honolulu. Yet, it’s worth noting that he also has ties to San Francisco, Kenny explained to NBC News.

After Mangione’s arrest, his family released a statement on X.

They stated, on Dec. 9th, that they are unable to provide comments about the news articles concerning Luigi Mangione, as their knowledge is limited to what has been reported in the media. The family of Luigi was taken aback and deeply saddened by his arrest. They extend their sympathies to the Thompson family and request prayers for everyone affected. The family is distraught over this recent development in the news.

After learning of the shooting, Thompson’s family mourned his passing.

We’re deeply saddened to learn about the senseless loss of our treasured Brian,” a statement shared with NBC affiliate KARE in Minneapolis on Dec. 5 stated. “Brian was a man of immense love, generosity, and talent who embraced life wholeheartedly, leaving an indelible mark on countless others. Above all, he was a loving father to our two sons, and his absence will be deeply felt. We kindly ask for your sympathy during this challenging period, and we ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief.

Thompson’s wife Paulette also recalled how her husband had received threats prior to his death.

She informed NBC News on December 5th that indeed there were some threats made against him. In essence, she wasn’t sure, but it seemed like perhaps there was less attention or coverage given to the matter? She doesn’t have specific details, only that he mentioned there were people who had been threatening him.

UnitedHealth Group, parent company of UnitedHealthcare, expressed deep sadness and shock upon the death of their cherished acquaintance, Thompson. In tribute, they lowered the flags at their corporate headquarters in Minnesota to half-staff.

The organization shared on December 4th that Brian was admired and well-liked by everyone he worked with. We are collaborating with the New York Police Department and request your sympathy and comprehension as we navigate through this challenging period. Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and those who were close to him during these trying times.

Furthermore, the company expressed their grief by saying, “We’re deeply saddened,” but they also acknowledged the overwhelming compassion and assistance that has been shown to them since the tragic event occurred on December 5th.

I, along with countless others – patients, consumers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and government officials – have felt compelled to extend my condolences during this difficult time. Though our hearts are heavy, we stand united in gratitude for your outpouring of support.

Additionally, UnitedHealthcare, Thompson, and the U.S. healthcare system have faced scrutiny from the public as well.

This also encompasses discussions on insurance firms’ rejection rates through digital platforms, along with an examination of the allegations levied against Thompson.

In May 2024, a class-action lawsuit brought by the City of Hollywood Firefighters’ Pension Fund, later obtained by NBC News, accused Thompson of selling over $15 million of UnitedHealth shares. This was allegedly done after he had learned about an investigation into the company by the U.S. Department of Justice, before the public was aware. When asked about trades made by Thompson and other executives, a spokesperson for UnitedHealth stated in April 2024 that these individuals followed the company’s procedures and received approval from the company.

The lawsuit, per the BBC, remains active.

Furthermore, despite the reason behind the shooting remaining undisclosed, several media outlets have pointed out that phrases like “depose,” “delay,” and “deny” on the empty casings bear a resemblance to the title of a 2010 book named “Delay Deny Defend: Strategies for Dealing with Insurance Companies When They Don’t Pay Claims“.

2024-12-11 06:49

Luigi Mangione’s Friend Shares Why Dating “Wasn’t Possible” for Him

Read More