NEW YORK — Karen Friedman Agnifilo, a well-known criminal defense attorney and former Manhattan prosecutor, was retained to represent Luigi Mangione. Mangione is the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month. The high-profile case has gained widespread media attention due to the prominence of both the victim and the legal team involved.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo previously served as the chief assistant district attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office from 2014 to 2021. During her tenure, she oversaw significant criminal cases and gained extensive experience in the New York criminal justice system. After leaving the DA’s office, Karen Friedman Agnifilo joined her husband, Marc Agnifilo, at their private practice, Agnifilo Intrater LLP. Marc Agnifilo is currently representing music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in a separate high-profile federal case involving sex trafficking and racketeering allegations.
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, was arrested on December 9, 2024, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a five-day manhunt. He is accused of shooting Brian Thompson on December 4 in what authorities describe as a premeditated attack. Law enforcement reports indicate that Mangione was found with a 3D-printed firearm, a suppressor, fake identification, and a handwritten manifesto criticizing the U.S. healthcare system at the time of his arrest.
Currently, Mangione faces several charges in Pennsylvania, including carrying an unlicensed firearm, forgery, and related offenses. Prosecutors in New York are seeking his extradition, where he is expected to face second-degree murder charges. Mangione is contesting his extradition at this time.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s appointment as Mangione’s defense attorney is expected to play a significant role in the case. Her expertise in handling high-profile and complex legal matters has positioned her as one of New York’s most recognized criminal defense attorneys. The case has also drawn additional public interest due to her husband’s simultaneous involvement in another major federal case.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was a prominent figure in the healthcare industry, leading one of the nation’s largest health insurance providers. His death has prompted broader conversations about safety, leadership, and societal frustrations within the healthcare system.
As the case develops, both legal experts and the public will closely follow the proceedings to see how the defense strategy unfolds. The high-profile nature of the case, combined with Mangione’s background and Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s extensive legal experience, underscores the case’s significance in the legal community and beyond.
Further updates are expected as the extradition hearing and subsequent court proceedings continue.
