CEO Assassin Suspect Luigi Mangione Hires High-Priced Former DA Karen Friedman Agnifilo As His Defense Attorney

Luigi Mangione, the accused gunman in the high-profile killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has secured powerhouse attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo to lead his defense.

Friedman Agnifilo, a former Manhattan assistant district attorney with deep ties to the New York legal system, is renowned for her role in the Harvey Weinstein prosecution and her extensive courtroom experience. One source told CNN that she “knows every corridor, every judge, every clerk in the courthouse,” emphasizing her familiarity with the state’s judicial process.

The 26-year-old suspect faces murder charges for allegedly shooting Thompson outside a New York City hotel on Dec. 4. Mangione’s dramatic arrest in Pennsylvania, following a five-day manhunt, included charges of firearm possession and a subsequent courtroom fight to avoid extradition to New York.

As New York officials seek a warrant to bring Mangione back to the state, new details have emerged about the evidence and his alleged motives. Authorities claim Mangione’s fingerprints were found on a water bottle and an energy bar wrapper near the scene, while ballistics tests reportedly matched the recovered shell casings to a gun found in his possession.

Investigators have also discovered handwritten materials that suggest a premeditated attack. Reports indicate Mangione toyed with using a bomb but ultimately settled on a targeted shooting to avoid harming bystanders. A spiral notebook contained a “to-do list,” and Mangione allegedly described his intent to kill Thompson at a conference where the executive would discuss UnitedHealthcare’s financial gains.

A manifesto, also attributed to Mangione, reportedly condemns corporate greed in the American healthcare system. Mangione is said to have accused health insurers of prioritizing profits over care and criticized the U.S. for its soaring healthcare costs despite ranking 42nd in global life expectancy. “Frankly, these parasites had it coming,” the manifesto allegedly states.

Mangione’s legal defense has already drawn public attention, with multiple crowdfunding efforts reportedly launched to support him. His new attorney, Friedman Agnifilo, brings significant expertise to the case, having transitioned to private practice after serving under Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr. for seven years.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the thorough investigation underway, saying authorities are piecing together Mangione’s movements and intentions leading up to the attack.

Mangione comes from a wealthy Baltimore family and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in engineering.

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