Luigi Mangione made an unexpected connection with a fellow inmate, and now some details are coming to light.
Inmate Linus Fu spent months around Mangione at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. He revealed that the two bonded over books before Mangione admitted to his crimes in court.
The software engineer, Luigi Mangione, was arrested five days after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot in December 2024. His federal case has now changed dramatically after he admitted to killing Thompson and awaits sentencing.
5Fu first saw Mangione at the Metropolitan Detention Center on January 6, 2025. The two eventually became friends after Fu started working as an orderly in the prison’s intake unit. Fu told Courthouse News that he saw Mangione almost every day for several months.
Fu described Mangione as funny, young, and creative. He said they are both educated and are in the same age bracket. Mangione graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, while Fu holds a master’s degree from Nanjing Normal University.
The 32-year-old inmate, Fu, said Mangione was quite popular at the Brooklyn prison. According to the Courthouse News Service, Fu said most inmates knew who Mangione was, and some seven asked for his autograph. Fu later became a Brooklyn MDC intake orderly, moving into the specialized unit and befriending the isolated Mangione.
The Ivy League Graduate Read A Book About Himself Before His Court Admission
5Mangione and his fellow inmate bonded over books while staying in the intake unit. While in detention, they both read John H. Richardson’s 2025 “Luigi: The Making and the Meaning.” Fu would sometimes ask Mangione whether details in the book were accurate.
The software engineer also received a lot of books and magazines from people. Fu, in his words, said, “I don’t know why they sent travel magazines to [Mangione]; that made no sense. He can’t travel. Why would you send him a travel magazine?”
Mangione reportedly gave his New York Times newspapers to Fu so his friend could practice his English. The 32-year-old said Mangione spent a large part of his days reading letters and emails sent to him from around the world. Fu said he rarely responded to the letters. “I don’t know what he does with all those letters,” Fu said.
Inside Luigi Mangione’s Confession In Court
5Mangione later admitted to killing Thompson during his federal court appearance. He also pleaded guilty to two federal stalking charges connected to the shooting. The Blast reported that he described how he planned the attack and admitted knowing his actions were illegal.
Mangione said that years of pain from a broken back influenced his decision. The 28-year-old also admitted traveling to Manhattan, posing as an investor and using a 3-D printer to make the gun. His statement gave the court his own account of what happened.
Mangione’s guilty plea removed the need for a federal trial. He still faces a separate murder case in New York, while his lawyers are fighting to have the charges dismissed. The state case could now become another major part of his legal battles.
The 28-Year-Old Could Face Life In Prison
5Mangione faces a possible life sentence for federal charges. His sentencing hearing is set for December 18, when the judge will give a verdict. The Blast shared that the Federal prosecutors indicated for a maximum sentence of life behind bars.
The software engineer’s defense team had also considered an open plea instead of a formal plea agreement. The approach would allow his lawyers to present mitigating circumstances directly to the judge. His anger toward the American healthcare system could also become a major part of their arguments.
Mangione’s federal plea also changed the situation surrounding his state case. His lawyers now want New York prosecutors to drop the separate murder prosecution. A judge will ultimately decide whether the state case can continue.
Former Louis Vuitton Creative Director Might Style Luigi Mangione
5Mangione’s courtroom outfits have also sparked interest in what he wears. His burgundy sweater reportedly sold out after photos of him wearing it circulated online. His outfits have since become another talking point on social media.
Marc Jacobs said he would dress Mangione for trial and called him a “trendsetter,” as The Blast reported. The 63-year-old revealed his plan to style Mangione during Vanity Fair’s “Lie Detector Test.” Jacobs said the 28-year-old might not need much help and that he looks pretty good with his dressing.
Mangione’s clothing has now become part of the attention surrounding his court appearances. The interest comes as he prepares for sentencing following his federal guilty plea. His separate New York case also remains unresolved.
What will be Luigi Mangione’s fate after sentencing?
