Luigi Mangione Enlists Veteran Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo in CEO Murder Case Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused in the high-profile murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has secured the legal services of Karen Friedman Agnifilo, a veteran attorney and former New York City prosecutor. Agnifilo’s law firm, Agnifilo Intrater LLP, confirmed the news in a statement released Friday night.
Friedman Agnifilo brings a wealth of experience to the defense team, having served as the second-in-command in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office from 2014 to 2021 under former District Attorney Cyrus Vance. According to her firm’s biography, she played a leading role in prosecuting high-profile violent crime cases, particularly those involving mental health issues and cold case homicides.
“Karen Friedman Agnifilo has a three-decade background in criminal justice, litigation, and trials. Her practice focuses on criminal defense in state and federal courts, leveraging her extensive experience prosecuting serious violent crimes, including complex homicide cases, from accusation to investigation to arrest and trial,” the biography highlights.
Friedman Agnifilo’s expertise extends beyond the courtroom. During her tenure at the Manhattan DA’s office, she was instrumental in creating several specialized units, including the Human Trafficking Unit, Hate Crimes Unit, Antiquities Trafficking Unit, and Terrorism Unit. She also helped establish Manhattan’s first Mental Health Court.
In addition to her legal work, Friedman Agnifilo is a familiar face in media, frequently appearing as a commentator on legal issues and serving as a former legal analyst for CNN. She co-hosts a weekly podcast on the Meidas Touch Network, where she discusses emerging legal topics with an audience of over half a million listeners per episode. Her biography also notes her role as a legal advisor for the television series Law and Order.
Mangione’s Alleged Motive
Mangione, arrested earlier this week in Pennsylvania, has been charged in connection with the Healthcare CEO's Killing: Luigi Mangione Faces Murder Charge. Law enforcement sources revealed that Mangione’s writings, seized upon his arrest, showed a growing fixation on UnitedHealthcare and its leadership.
The notebooks allegedly document Mangione’s anger toward the U.S. healthcare system, claiming it is both excessively expensive and ineffective. In one entry, Mangione reportedly referred to UnitedHealthcare executives as "parasites" and expressed his belief that they were exploiting the system for profit.
Sources also indicated that Mangione’s writings showed a gradual decline in his mental state, with entries becoming increasingly erratic. Some detailed his daily activities, while others expressed a growing obsession with the idea of targeting UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. One particularly alarming entry allegedly read: “I do apologize for any strife or traumas, but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.”
Current Status
Mangione remains in custody at a Pennsylvania state prison after being denied bail earlier this week. The investigation continues to uncover more details about his alleged motives and actions leading up to the killing of CEO Brian Thompson, who UnitedHealth Group described as “one of the good guys.”
As this case progresses, all eyes are on Karen Friedman Agnifilo, whose legal strategy will likely play a critical role in shaping its outcome.
