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Accused killer Luigi Mangione is disputing a statement purportedly made by his mother, which the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the NYPD have referenced. The statement allegedly suggests that Mangione's mother could envision her son committing the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is accused of shooting Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel in December 2024.
According to ABC7NY, the controversy stems from a tip received by the FBI from a San Francisco police sergeant. The sergeant reportedly noted a resemblance between Mangione and the murder suspect in photos. During a news conference in December 2024, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny mentioned a conversation between the San Francisco police and Mangione's mother, where she allegedly said the act might be something her son could do.
Mangione's defense attorneys, however, argue that no evidence has been provided to confirm this statement. Defense attorney Karen Agnifilo stated, "To date, there has been no documentation provided in discovery that confirms the Chief of Detectives' statement as to Mrs. Mangione's alleged statement." The defense is urging the judge to declare the district attorney's certification of compliance with discovery obligations insufficient.
As reported by the New York Post, Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt. The federal government is seeking the death penalty in its case against him. Mangione is due back in court for the federal case on December 5.
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