Editor's note: The video above aired on Dec. 9, 2024.
NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Luigi Mangione, the man arrested in connection with the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has hired a top New York lawyer to represent him when he's extradited back to the state.
Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo has been hired to represent the 26-year-old, her law firm confirmed to PIX11 News. Mangione faces charges of murder, weapon possession, forgery, and more.
Mangione's high-profile case will be the latest for Agnifilo who has worked in criminal justice, litigation, and trials for three decades. Attorneys from her current law firm, Agnifilo Intrater, are also part of the team representing Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
Agnifilo has focused on criminal defense in state and federal courts, having prosecuted violent crimes and homicide cases.
She previously served as Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for seven years. While there she helped in founding the Human Trafficking Unit, Hate Crimes Unit, the Cybercrimes and Identity Theft Bureau, and Manhattan’s first Mental Health Court.
Before working alongside District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Agnifilo worked for Mayor Michael Bloomberg as General Counsel to the Criminal Justice Coordinator.
In between cases, Agnifilo serves as a legal analyst for cable news networks and even as a legal advisor for the show Law and Order.
Mangione is currently being held without bail in Pennsylvania where he faces gun and forgery offenses. He was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania when a McDonald's customer recognized him and tipped off employees.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was killed on Dec. 4 as he walked to the Hilton Hotel in Midtown, Manhattan for an investors meeting. Bullets at the scene had the words “defend,” “depose,” and “deny” on them.
A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said Mangione likely was motivated by his anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed.
This story includes reporting from The Associated Press.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
