What do Luigi Mangione's cellmates say about him? CEO killer's lawyer says he's 'very well liked' behind bars

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, is reportedly winning admiration behind bars. The 27-year-old is facing both state and federal murder charges. The Ivy League graduate has earned the nickname “ambassador” among fellow inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn.


'Model prisoner'
According to his lawyer, Arthur Aidala Mangione has become “a model prisoner” during his 10 months in custody. “He actually has been extremely nice to brand new people who go in there,” Aidala told PEOPLE, adding that Mangione takes it upon himself to help new inmates settle in.

“When people get there and they don't know what the heck is going on, he is kind of the one who welcomes them and does his best to allay their fears, and you know, kind of shows them the ropes of what life in the Metropolitan Detention Center is like, and what to do — and sometimes, more importantly, what not to do,” Aidala said.

'Very well liked'

Mangione’s efforts to make others comfortable have earned him respect from both inmates and staff, with Aidala saying he is “very, very well liked.” The attorney said that Mangione “gets very high marks from people in and around the jail system” and has exhibited “exemplary behaviour” throughout his detention.

Aidala explained that newcomers often face a “fear of the unknown” when entering a facility like the MDC. “You know, things that we all take for granted, that changes when you go into a facility where they control your every move,” he said. “It’s very hard to figure those things out.”

Mangione is a 'rule follower'
Mangione’s conduct reportedly stands out for his discipline. “My understanding is that he is a rule follower, unlike a lot of folks in there,” Aidala said. “A lot of folks in there, you know, they figure out a way to get in contraband, whether that be drugs or unauthorized cell phones, and things like that. But my understanding is that he's not like that and he hasn't been written up for any violations of any sort.”

Mangione remains in the general population, receiving no special treatment. His fellow inmates include Sean “Diddy” Combs, the Alexander brothers, and OneTaste founder Nicole Daedone, although there is no interaction between the male and female populations.

Murder of Brian Thompson
Authorities say Mangione shot and murdered Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024. He was arrested five days later at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania and extradited to New York. Though initially charged with terrorism-related murder counts, those were dismissed last month. He has pleaded not guilty to the remaining charges and is due back in court on December 1.