Accused CEO killer marks 27th birthday with unusual gratitude list
Luigi Mangione, the man charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, celebrated his 27th birthday in custody by writing an open letter listing 27 things he’s thankful for—one for each year of his life.
The letter, sent from Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) where Mangione awaits trial, ranges from heartfelt acknowledgments to sardonic observations about prison life.
He began with a simple yet emotional entry: “My friends, for being there when I needed it most.”
The second item—addressing his family—was partially redacted with a defiant note: “[REDACTED – my personal life is none of your business!]”
Dark humor and unexpected shout-outs
Despite facing state and federal charges—including the possibility of the death penalty—Mangione’s tone alternates between sincere appreciation and wry humor.
He thanked MDC’s mailroom staff, writing, “Photocopied and processed thousands of letters sent to me from over 40 countries — your efforts are appreciated by so many.”
He also gave an unexpected compliment to prison staff: “The MDC staff and CO’s, who are nothing like what ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and ‘The Stanford Prison Experiment’ had me believe.”
Memes, legal funds, and books behind bars
Mangione acknowledged the unusual support he has received, including:
- Over $1 million in donations to his legal defense
- A fan group he dubbed “Latinas for Mangione”
- Internet memes about him, noting, “Laughter is louder than logic and makes a lot more sense.”
Books have been a key solace during incarceration. He praised Ayn Rand’s Anthem, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, and Patrick Bet-David’s Your Next Five Moves. Unable to read everything sent to him, he shares books with fellow inmates—particularly his cellmate, “J.”
Of “J,” Mangione wrote: “Despite spending half of every day inside a shared birdcage and being sentenced to a decade away from his six kids who he loves – (he) tolerates the clutter of all my papers, shares his unique wisdom, and doesn’t hesitate to humble me when I need it.”
Cryptic mentions and a philosophical sign-off
The list also included puzzling entries like his “lucky long sleeve,” “hearts,” and a final, solitary word: “Light.”
He closed the letter with: “Thanks for the birthday message. Never lose the plot. Luigi.”
Mangione returns to court on June 26, with his murder trial expected to begin in 2026.
