The Justice Department, cited a notebook found in Mangione’s possession upon his arrest in Altoona, Pa.
Allegedly he began targeting UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference as early as Oct. 22, six weeks before Thompson’s death. The complaint remained sealed on Thursday. But was obtained by The New York Times, details Mangione’s apparent plans.
In one entry, the conference is described as “a true windfall”. Where “the message becomes self-evident,” according to prosecutors.
The notebook allegedly goes on to outline Mangione’s “intent to ‘wack’ the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference.”
On Dec. 4, Thompson, 50, was fatally shot by a masked gunman. This happened outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel, where preparations for the conference were underway. Authorities, including the Justice Department and the Manhattan District Attorney, have identified Mangione as the suspect.
Prosecutors also allege that Mangione had been formulating his plan as early as August, writing in his notebook that “the details are finally coming together” and that “the target is insurance” because “it checks every box.” The notes suggest the plot may have begun even earlier, as Mangione mentioned delays due to his efforts to learn more about an unspecified corporation.
Mangione, 26, now faces federal charges in New York’s Southern District, including murder, stalking, and firearms violations. If convicted on the murder charge, he could face the death penalty.
