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- [00:01]
Jesse Weber
In the early hours of December 4, 2024, CEO Brian Thompson stepped out onto the streets of midtown Manhattan. In an instant, one of the most powerful men in the healthcare industry was dead. And the suspect, Luigi Mangione, became one of the most divisive figures in modern criminal history. I'm Jesse Weber, host of Law and Crime's Luigi, a new podcast that is more than a true crime investigation. We dare to look beyond the crime and the accused and explore a uniquely American moment that could change the country forever. As this case unfolds, we go beyond the crime of the decade headline to explore its cultural reckoning. This is the story of a growing cultural divide in America, where mainstream media was quick to condemn the killing. The public reaction, particularly on social media, has been unexpected. In a nation divided by greed, power and desperation, the killing of a CEO has sparked a long overdue conversation and revealed a nation on the brink. Wherever this case goes, Law and Crime promises to provide you with all angles of the case. With exclusive interviews, courtroom documents, and in depth coverage, Law and Crime presents all sides of the case, challenging you to decide. Is the status quo enough? Or is it time for a cultural reckoning? I'm about to play you a clip from the first episode of Law and Crime's Luigi, available exclusively on Wondery. On March 24, a falsified new Jersey driver's license under the name Mark Rosario hinted at an attempt to hide his true identity. The same alias he had used when checking into a New York City hostel before his arrest. A stash of cash totaling $10,000, including $2,000 in foreign currency. As if he had been perhaps preparing for a swift escape. A box of medical masks. A seemingly mundane detail, yet one that completed the picture of a man on the run. And a US Passport that confirmed his real name, Luigi Mangione. As investigators pieced together the evidence, it became clear Mangione wasn't just another anonymous face in a fast food restaurant. He was the prime suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. And the manhunt that had gripped the nation had finally come to an end. And to the authorities, this was definitely the guy they say shot Brian Thompson. They have him captured on film shooting another human being.
- [02:39]
Thomas M. Dickey
Gobs of physical evidence that connect him to the actual crime. We have a weapon. We have ammunition. We have fingerprints. Fingerprints on the weapon. We have fingerprints on a water bottle.
- [02:50]
Jesse Weber
The nypd, working in lockstep with the FBI and the Manhattan District Attorney's office, immediately dispatched detectives to Altoona. And so consequence becomes the biggest issue now for him and for the American people. The unmasking of Luigi Mangione slowly began to expose another massive issue on platforms like X, TikTok and Reddit. Initial reactions were a mix of shock, outrage and conspiracy theories. Many were horrified by the apparent cold blooded murder of a corporate executive in broad daylight, while others speculated about Mangione's alleged motives, digging through his digital footprint in search of clues. As more details about Mangione's background surfaced, including his criticisms of corporate greed and the healthcare industry, a segment of the Internet began to lionize him. Following his arrest in Altoona, Luigi Mangione found himself facing a series of serious charges in Blair county.
- [03:57]
Thomas M. Dickey
The fact that he was caught with a weapon with ammunition that local jurisdiction is now going to want to file charges.
- [04:04]
Jesse Weber
Prosecutors wasted no time charging him with multiple offenses the day of his arrest, including carrying a firearm without a license, forgery, false identification to law enforcement and possession of instruments of crime. Luigi Mangione's first appearance in Blair County Court on December 10, 2024 was anything but quiet as he was led into the courthouse in Hollidaysburg. Wearing shackles and an orange jumpsuit, he cameras flashed while reporters shouted questions, but it was Mangione's own voice that cut through the noise. Completely out of touch, he barked at the press, his frustration unmistakable. He carried himself with an air of defiance, but once inside the courtroom, his demeanor shifted. Seated before the judge, Mangione answered in short, clipped responses. His defense attorney, Thomas M. Dickey, leaned in often, the two whispering in hushed tones. Behind him, a row of NYPD officers sat like a wall of silent enforcers, their presence a reminder that New York was waiting. You can listen to the full episode and more when Lawigi releases exclusively on Wondery starting March 24th. Join Wondery in the Wondery app, Spotify or Apple Podcasts and follow the show page for weekly update episodes on the Luigi Mangioni case as it unfolds in real time. Wherever this case goes, law and crime will be there.
- [05:40]
Narrator
Follow Empire City on the Wondry app, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad free right now by joining Wondry in the Wondry app or on Apple Podcasts. Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short survey@wondry.com survey if you have a tip about a story you think we should investigate, please write to us@wondry.com tips.