Maryland family of UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect ‘shocked’ by arrest

COCKEYSVILLE, Md. – Residents of a quiet Baltimore County community are grappling with the shocking news that a former neighbor, Luigi Mangione, has been named a person of interest in the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York last week.

Mangione, 26, was arrested Monday in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 300 miles from the crime scene.

Police and security vehicles are now blocking the entrance to Hayfields Country Club, owned by Mangione’s family, where at least one of his relatives lives.

Neighbors described Mangione, who grew up in Cockeysville, as part of a well-known and respected Maryland family.

“You know, I’m just shocked,” said Chad Chilcot, a neighbor who lives within walking distance of several members of the Mangione family.

“The Mangione family is a lovely family. And they’ve been very involved in the community. They’re very well respected,” he said.

Mangione, a Gilman School graduate and valedictorian of his class in Baltimore, left a lasting impression on classmates who are struggling to reconcile their memories with the recent allegations.

“I was wondering why this person looked familiar?” said Corey Wey, a former classmate. “Right now it’s really surreal for me. I’ve been in contact with a lot of people who went to my school or are from the area who knew who he was. And they’re all really devastated and shocked . by this news also.

Mangione is also related to Maryland State Delegate Nino Mangione. In a statement sent to FOX 5, the delegate said: “Unfortunately, we cannot comment on the information regarding Luigi Mangione. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by the arrest of Luigi. We offer our prayers to Brian Thompson’s family, and we ask people to pray for everyone involved.

As the investigation unfolds, the close-knit community of Cockeysville finds itself grappling with shocking allegations tied to one of its own.

“It must be terrible to be in their position,” Chilcot said of the Mangione family.

Residents say they are still trying to make sense of the news, which has shaken their usually quiet neighborhood.