
Alyssa Still
Staff Writer
On Jan. 6, Hulu released “TMZ Investigates: Luigi Mangione: The Mind of a Killer,” after Mangione was charged with the murder of United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson. This is the second episode released by Hulu since Thompson’s passing in Manhattan, New York on Dec. 4, 2024.
The first episode “Manhunt: Luigi Mangione and the CEO Murder – A Special Edition of 20/20,” was released in December before Mangione’s conviction. It is a feature of ABC’s 20/20 special. The episode focuses on components of the crime itself, the six-day nationwide manhunt and Americans’ reactions. It follows the hunt through New York and the north-east. It also shares what makes Mangione’s escape memorable, such as his backpack stuffed with Monopoly money, the moment he lowered his mask to grin at a hostel receptionist, and his 3D printed ghost gun.
The second episode of the series was released after Mangione was charged. According to WHYY.org, he was charged with 11 counts, including murder and terrorism. The episode also dives into Mangione’s past and how he decided to murder through diary entries and interactions.
It also goes into depth about the three bullets’ used shell casings that were handwritten with “delay,” “deny” and “depose” in permanent marker. These words point to “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It,” a book written by Jay Feinman in 2010 that criticizes health insurance tactics.
It is believed that Mangione was a supporter of the message that the book conveys to spread that philosophy to others. This episode also speculates that Mangione could face mental health problems and potentially be a sociopath. It also hints to what he plead to in court at a not guilty by reason of insanity defense. Hulu has yet to confirm a third episode in this series.
Both episodes discuss Mangione’s extra attention as an attractive young man, the first episode goes as far as calling him a “murderous heartthrob.” In December, Mangione went viral after a photo of him smiling was released. Soon many social media users were sharing videos playing “Criminal” by Britney Spears, discussing their “I can fix him” mentality, focusing on his attractive features rather than his violent acts. There are even people profiting from Mangione’s popularity and selling merchandise featuring his likeness.
The trend “Free Luigi” even arose, with YouTube Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan showcasing a “Free Luigi Rally.” Protestors interviewed by Callaghan expressed their sympathy for Mangione, reaching 2.8 million views.
Mangione also sparked an influx of people sharing stories of how their health insurance did not help them in times of need. Some have taken it so far that they suggest killing others, such as Heather Cianfrocco the CEO of Optum Health and Andrew Witty the CEO of United Healthcare.
Many people believe he did the right thing by spotlighting corporations lording over the lower class, seeing him as a hero. Social media has been flooded with users sharing their anger with corporate greed and agreeing with Mangione’s motive.
On campus, students have varying opinions on the case and the documentary allows them to learn more about the behind the scenes of what happened.
“It enables girls to like toxic guys,” freshman Ava Boss said. Boss finds documentaries focused on criminals to promote the romanticism of killing rather than making them a criminal prefers documentaries that show the victim’s or law enforcement’s side of the case.
Marianna Giallourakis has a differing opinion on the idea of putting murders on a pedestal.
“I don’t think people should care about Luigi, because he killed somebody,” freshman Giallourakis said. Giallourakis has not watched the documentaries as she usually finds similar documentaries creepy. She says that documentaries that draw attention to criminals often portray them in a more positive way than they should.
Mangione’s court proceedings have been delayed until mid-February after petitions from the prosecution and defense for more time to prepare for the trial. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all eleven charges, but until his trial, he is being held without bail in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.