Luigi Mangione: Police Identify Fingerprints of Suspected Gunman Linked to New York Crime Scene | US News
Authorities have reported that the fingerprints of the individual believed to have killed a US health insurance executive align with those discovered near the crime scene in New York, according to NBC News, Sky News’ US partner.
Luigi Mangione has been charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, who was fatally shot in Manhattan last week.
The 26-year-old appeared in an orange prison jumpsuit at the Blair County Courthouse on Tuesday, opting to contest his extradition to New York, which could initiate a legal process lasting several weeks.
Luigi Mangione is taken into the Blair County Courthouse. Pic: AP
As prosecutors work to strengthen their case against the alleged assailant, NBC News cited an official associated with the investigation claiming that prints found at the New York crime scene correspond to those of Mangione.
The specific origin of the prints remains unclear.
Reports indicate that the suspect visited a Starbucks prior to the shooting and was spotted fleeing on an e-bike.
Mangione’s attorney, Thomas Dickey, recently stated: “I haven’t seen any evidence that suggests he’s the shooter.”
“I haven’t seen anything. I have not seen even a trace of evidence yet.”
‘These parasites had it coming’
Following an extensive manhunt, Mangione was apprehended after a tip-off from a McDonald’s employee, and he was discovered in possession of a firearm, a mask, and writings linking him to the assault, according to police.
NBC News interviewed a customer who recognized Mangione at a restaurant in Altoona, located about 230 miles (370 km) west of New York.
The customer, identified only as Larry, mentioned that his companion remarked, “that looks like the shooter from New York,” and noted a backpack resembling one the suspect was carrying.
Larry continued: “I initially thought he was an employee, since they often take breaks in that area and wear their hoods up. He was seated in the corner withhis hood drawn.”
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Pennsylvania State Police released photos of Luigi Mangione eating at an Altoona McDonald’s prior to his arrest. Pic: Pennsylvania State Police
At the time of his arrest, Mangione was reportedly in possession of three pages of writings, according to NBC News.
These writings supposedly included sentiments like “frankly these parasites had it coming” and “I wasn’t working with anyone,” reflecting broader critiques of the US healthcare sector and significant corporations, including UnitedHealthcare.
Pennsylvania prosecutor Peter Weeks disclosed that Mangione, who provided authorities with a phony ID, had a passport and $10,000 (£7,840) in cash—$2,000 of which was in foreign currency.
An Ivy League tech graduate, Mangione’s alleged actions have thrust him into the spotlight online, with Etsy and eBay featuring merchandise such as T-shirts and other items referencing him.
A segment of social media users have voiced sympathy and backing for Mangione.
This support seems to stem from longstanding discontent regarding the US healthcare system and accusations that corporations like UnitedHealthcare take drastic measures to evade paying for treatments to maximize their profits.
