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ABC News recently produced a documentary based on Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of killing the United HealthCare CEO. The special titled Manhunt: Luigi Mangione and the CEO Murder — A Special Edition of 20/20, aired on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.
"Investigating the secret life of the young man prosecutors allege gunned down United Healthcare’s Brian Thompson," the discription reads.
Earlier this month, Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania for fatally shooting Thompson outside a hotel in Manhattan and fleeing. A McDonald's employee recognized him from the photos released by the police and reported him. On December 10, Mangione was indicted in Manhattan on 11 counts, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism.
As news of the documentary spread, internet users were quick to react; one commented:
"The Netflix one starring James France will be better."
Many criticized the documentary for "sensationalizing" and capitalizing on a tragedy. Here are some comments seen on X:
"u guys can never just be normal. why r we sensationalizing it n so quick," one wrote.
"What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Y’all already got a f*cking special!? Propaganda bs.," a user reacted.
"Or it's just a quick cash grab," another suggested.
Others questioned its accuracy, some even questioning the narrative it was trying to build.
"It is inappropriate to have this special. Not only does it help idolize a murderer, but it is going to cause an issue with his trial," another argued.
"Well you didn't waste any time. How many corrections do you think you will have to make?," a person questioned.
"20/20 wasting no time to try and control the narrative around this I guess deep state has something to do with it all," one user reacted.
ABC's documentary on Luigi Mangione includes an interview with a "friend"
According to Variety, Manhunt is a joint venture between executive producer Muriel Pearson, senior executive producer David Sloan, and 20/20 (ABC's special deep-dive program) executive producer Janice Johnston. The publication, quoting the special's logline, wrote:
"It provid(es) a minute-by-minute investigation of the cold-blooded execution of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the shocking social media backlash that turned the alleged murderer into a folk hero for some."
The documentary would also include interviews with a "friend of the suspect," ABC News contributor and former FBI profiler Brad Garrett, and investigative and legal pundits.
The program also detailed the hunt for Luigi Mangione, his motive for murder, and a profile based on the writing found in his backpack. At the time of his arrest, Pennsylvania authorities found a gun, fake ID, and a handwritten manifesto criticizing the American healthcare system in his backpack.
While investigating the scene of Brian Thompson's murder, authorities found shell casings with the words "Delay," "Deny," and "Depose" written on them. These terms are used by insurance companies like UHC while denying claims. This has sparked a discourse on the condition of health insurance in the U.S. Many online have hailed Luigi Mangione as a hero.
Manhunt is not the only documentary or program featuring Luigi Mangione. Anonymous Content and Jigsaw Productions' Alex Gibney are teaming up on a documentary that would focus on the shooting and people's frustration with the healthcare insurance industry.
According to Variety, filmmaker Stephen Robert Morse (along with cinematographer Matt Cianfrani, investigative journalist Hannah Ghorashi, and filmmaker Eli Eisenstein) is making a film about various perspectives around the shooting. Additionally, per Variety, Investigation Discovery, Warner Bros. is also working on a project titled Who Is Luigi Mangione?
Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the 11 charges levied against him. He is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Manhunt is available to stream on Hulu.
