Suspect arrested for the murder of a United Healthcare executive
New York police today arrested a suspect in the shooting death of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare but he is not the usual poor homeless suspect police like to rough up.
Luigi Mangione, 26, holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania.
He also gained recognition as the valedictorian at Gilman School, a private all-boys school in Baltimore. The school charges $40,000 a year for tuition.
His work includes contributions to machine learning and robotics.
He was born and raised in Maryland, has ties to San Francisco, and his last known address is in Honolulu, Hawaii, Chief of Detective Joseph Kenny said at a news briefing.
Mangione is related to a prominent Maryland family that owns country clubs, healthcare facilities, and real estate companies, reported CBS News.
He’s also a cousin of Maryland state delegate Nino Mangione, who represents parts of Baltimore County.
He was arrested on a gun charge after being picked up while eating at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
A restaurant employee recognized Mangione’s photo and called the cops, the NYPD chief of detectives said.
The 26-year-old had in his possession multiple fake IDs, a U S passport, and a gun fitted with a suppressor, according to officials.
Thompson was fatally shot in a targeted attack outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday. The shooter’s gun jammed but he quickly fixed it before firing more bullets, two of which struck Thompson.
Authorities reported that a masked gunman approached Thompson outside the hotel and fired at close range before fleeing into Central Park on an electric bicycle.
Thompson’s estranged wife disclosed that he had been receiving threats before his death, but the motive for the shooting remains unclear.
A backpack believed to belong to the suspect in the killing was found in Central Park on Friday, a law enforcement official said. Inside, police found Monopoly money and a Tommy Hilfiger jacket, according to officials briefed on the matter.