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Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old Ivy League graduate accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has formally requested access to a restricted laptop in jail to assist in his legal defense. His attorneys argue that without it, he cannot effectively review the extensive case materials, which include over 15,000 pages of documents and hours of video evidence.
Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to the New York state charges, is facing prosecution under a rarely used charge of first-degree murder as an act of terrorism. He is also battling a parallel federal case that could carry the death penalty, as well as additional gun and false identification charges in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested after a five-day manhunt.
What’s The Laptop Controversy
Mangione’s legal team filed the request in a Manhattan court, emphasizing that the laptop would be strictly for case review and would lack internet access, communication tools, or entertainment features. They argue that given the volume of evidence, he cannot sufficiently prepare during limited attorney meetings.
However, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office opposes the request, citing concerns over witness threats. Prosecutors claim several individuals linked to the case have already faced intimidation, though Mangione’s defense denies any involvement in such actions.
“There is no connection to Mr. Mangione for any of said alleged threats,” defense lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo stated in the filing, further accusing the prosecution of withholding critical evidence and leaking case details to the media.
Brian Thompson, 50, was gunned down outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, just before a major UnitedHealthcare investor conference. His murder sent shockwaves through the corporate world, prompting some health insurers to shift to remote work and increase security at shareholder meetings.
Meanwhile, the case has fueled public debate over corporate greed and the American healthcare system. Mangione’s alleged anti-corporate sentiments—expressed through writings and even markings on recovered bullets—have led to both condemnation and a growing online following. A legal defense fund supporting Mangione has raised nearly $760,000, and some sympathizers have attended his court hearings.
If Mangione is denied access to a laptop, his lawyers argue they will be forced to print thousands of pages of evidence, a process they deem inefficient and potentially detrimental to his right to a fair trial. While the District Attorney’s office has yet to issue a formal response, legal experts point out that similar requests have been granted to other defendants in the same facility.
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