Luigi Manzione is expected to appear in a Manhattan court today, Friday, for the Dec. 4 murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare.
He faces state murder and terrorism charges, as well as federal charges. The state case against him carries a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole, while the federal case could even carry a death sentence.
Authorities said both cases will proceed in parallel, though prosecutors said they expect the case to be tried first at the state level.
Manzione, 26, has maintained his innocence, the Guardian reports.
For their part, authorities allege that Manzione ambushed Thompson as the healthcare executive was on his way to an investor conference at a downtown Manhattan hotel. Soon after, Manzione left New York City by bus and was arrested five days later after a tip from a restaurant employee
Police obtained security camera footage showing his face, which was widely publicized. He was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania on December 9.
Authorities say Manzione left much evidence to prove his guilt, including fingerprints near the crime scene, and there is also camera footage.
After his arrest, other material believed to link him to the murder was found, including a manifesto criticizing health insurers’ prioritizing profits over patients, a 3D-printed handgun, and a silencer.
Two of the bullet casings had the words “DENY” and “DEPOSE” written on them, while an unused bullet found at the scene had the word “DELAY” written on it. The three words echo a book title about insurance companies explaining why they do not pay out money to their customers when they should.
Magione is supported in the US by many people who have had bad experiences with insurance companies and their decisions to (not) pay money. He has even started an online fundraiser for his legal fees, which currently has over $500,000.
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