The high-profile killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel has captivated the public, with internet sleuths now dissecting alleged cryptic messages left by the accused killer, Luigi Mangione, on social media.
Mangione, 26, was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday after a McDonald’s employee tipped off authorities.
Mangione is facing a range of charges in both New York and Pennsylvania, according to court documents. In New York, he has been charged with murder, two counts of criminal possession of a loaded firearm, one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument, and one count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Thompson was shot three times outside the Hilton Hotel on Sixth Avenue, with bullets makred with the chilling words “deny,” “depose,” and “defend” - believed to be a reference to the “three D’s of insurance,” a phrase often used by critics of the industry to describe alleged tactics insurers use to deny or delay claims.
The alleged shooter fled the scene on an e-bike, abandoning it in Central Park.
Authorities captured Mangione days later, but it’s his online presence that has reignited public interest.
Despite his social media accounts being taken down, Internet sleuths have latched onto what is believed to be his profile on X (formerly Twitter). His header image featured three seemingly unrelated pictures — a Pokémon, an X-ray of a spine with metal pins, and a shirtless hiking photo.
The three images have sparked widespread speculation about a potential hidden message surrounding the number "286".
The Pokémon featured in the header is Breloom, known in the Pokémon franchise by its Pokédex number: 286.
Additionally, according to the Daily Star, Internet investigators connected this to Mangione’s X account, which reportedly had exactly 286 posts before it was deleted.
Additionally, 286 is a code reportedly used by health services to signify a denied insurance claim due to a late appeal, per MD Clarity — a possible nod to Mangione’s alleged disdain for private healthcare.
Authorities uncovered a three-page manifesto in Mangione’s backpack, which reportedly described private healthcare companies as “parasites [who] simply had it coming.”
"A reminder: the US has the #1 most expensive healthcare system in the world, yet we rank roughly #42 in life expectancy," he allegedly wrote. "United is the [indecipherable] largest company in the US by market cap, behind only Apple, Google, Walmart. It has grown and grown, but has our life expectancy?”
The number 286 also drew connections to Proverbs 28:6 in the Bible, which reads: “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” Online forums buzzed with speculation that this verse reflected Mangione’s resentment toward what he perceived as systemic greed.
The X-ray image in the header also holds potential significance. Mangione’s former roommate told CivilBeat that Mangione struggled with chronic back pain due to a misaligned vertebra.
A former high school classmate of Mangione also told ABC News that the suspect had undergone back surgery in recent months.
The anonymous classmate said: "Whether it was complications from his back surgery or personal issues with his family and the healthcare system, it definitely came as a huge huge surprise just because he's not the type of person to do this without reason."
Some have speculated that this personal suffering could have amplified an alleged grievance with the healthcare system.
In response to his arrest, Mangione’s family has issued a statement expressing their disbelief: "Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer prayers to the family of Brian Thompson, and we ask people to pray for all involved."
Mangione attended his extradition hearing on December 10, and was seen shouting unintelligible remarks to waiting reporters.
As Mangione awaits trial, the internet’s fascination with the case continues to grow. Whether the clues left in his social media header hold any real significance or are the product of coincidence, one thing is certain: this case has become a modern-day morbid puzzle for among social media users.
