Luigi Mangione's fingerprints are reportedly a match with ones found at CEO Brian Thompson's shooting scene

Fingerprints recovered from the scene of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing in Midtown Manhattan match those of Luigi Mangione, two law enforcement officials told CNN on Wednesday. This forensic match ties the 26-year-old directly to the December 4 shooting, where Thompson was gunned down outside the Hilton Midtown hotel.

Authorities are now investigating Mangione's motives while he remains in custody in Pennsylvania on gun-related charges, pending extradition to New York for the murder trial. Law enforcement sources confirmed that the fingerprints were found on a discarded water bottle near the scene. This evidence is the first positive link placing Mangione at the crime scene, according to reports.

Mangione, a former Ivy League graduate and valedictorian from a privileged family, was arrested on December 9 at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after being identified by an employee.

His defense attorney, Thomas Dickey, stated on Wednesday that he has yet to see evidence tying his client to the murder.

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Brian Thompson's death linked to Luigi Mangione's arrest and recovered evidence

Suspect Arrested In Pennsylvania For United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson Killing - Source: Getty

Following Luigi Mangione's arrest, authorities recovered a 9mm "ghost gun" believed to be similar to the weapon used in the shooting. They also found fake IDs and a three-page manifesto critical of the health insurance industry. Mangione's writings reportedly outlined grievances related to a back injury he suffered in July 2023 and alleged denial of his insurance claim.

Detectives are analyzing a spiral notebook seized during his arrest, containing to-do lists and references to corporate greed.

According to an NYPD intelligence report, Luigi Mangione viewed the targeted killing as a "symbolic takedown" of perceived corporate corruption. Bullet casings found at the scene reportedly bore the words "deny," "defend," and "depose," potentially alluding to alleged tactics used by the insurance industry to avoid claims.

Healthcare executive gunned down in New York City in apparent 'targeted attack' - Source: Getty

Luigi Mangione faces multiple charges in New York, including second-degree murder, firearm possession, and forgery. In Pennsylvania, he faces additional charges for carrying a weapon and using a fake ID. At his extradition hearing on December 10, Mangione was denied bail and indicated plans to fight his transfer to New York.

Pennsylvania prosecutors have 30 days to secure a governor's warrant to facilitate extradition. Legal analyst Karen Agnifilo suggested Mangione's fight against extradition could be a strategic move to buy time for his defense. However, experts believe his return to New York is inevitable, with Governor Kathy Hochul expressing her intent to expedite the process.

Surveillance footage from a New York hostel reportedly shows Luigi Mangione in clothing matching that worn by the shooter. Prosecutors allege he fled the scene on a bicycle through Central Park. Mangione's writings reportedly detail his decision to target Brian Thompson at the investors' conference, which he viewed as symbolic of the industry's "power games."

New York Governor Hochul Makes Announcement On Congestion Pricing Plan - Source: Getty

As the investigation unfolds, authorities continue to piece together Luigi Mangione's motives and actions leading up to the murder. He is expected to plead not guilty to all charges. Meanwhile, the shocking incident has prompted increased security measures among corporate executives and ongoing debates about public sentiment toward the healthcare system.

Brian Thompson's death remains a grim reminder of the potential consequences of societal discontent, and Mangione's case will likely remain in the public spotlight as it progresses through the courts.