The 3D-printed gun found on murder suspect Luigi Mangione matches shell casings from the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced Wednesday.
Forensic analysis also confirmed Mangione’s fingerprints match those found on items near the December 4 shooting in Midtown Manhattan, providing the first direct physical evidence linking the suspect to the crime scene.
“We were able to match that gun to the three shell casings that we found in Midtown at the scene of the homicide,” Tisch said at a public event. The shell casings bore the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose” — a possible reference to a 2010 book criticizing the insurance industry.
Investigators also matched Mangione’s fingerprints to those found on a water bottle and KIND bar wrapper that surveillance footage showed the suspect purchasing shortly before the shooting, according to police.
Thomas Dickey, Mangione’s attorney, expressed skepticism about the evidence. “We need to see how they collected it, how much of it matches,” Dickey told CNN, adding that both fingerprint and ballistics evidence “have come under criticism” regarding accuracy.
The 26-year-old suspect, described as a former Ivy League student and high school valedictorian, remains in custody in Pennsylvania on gun-related charges while fighting extradition to New York, where he faces murder charges. During his arrest at an Altoona McDonald’s, authorities discovered a 3D-printed pistol, silencer, and forged New Jersey identification.
Police say Mangione’s writings suggest the killing may have been motivated by frustration with the healthcare industry following a back injury in July 2023. According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, investigators are examining whether an insurance claim denial played a role in the shooting.
The killing has sparked widespread discussion about healthcare access, with some online supporters offering to pay Mangione’s legal expenses. The incident has also raised security concerns among corporate executives, prompting an NYPD intelligence report warning of potential threats to business leaders.
Pennsylvania authorities have given Mangione 14 days to file for writ of habeas corpus. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has pledged to work with prosecutors on securing his transfer, while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has indicated readiness to process the necessary paperwork.
