UnitedHealthcare CEO Killer’s Reddit Posts Reveal Chronic Back Pain and Mental Health Struggles
The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson posted online in recent years about undergoing spinal surgery and struggling with chronic back pain, numbness, and restless sleep, according to an archived version of his deleted Reddit account.
Suspect’s Reddit Posts
Luigi Mangione, 26, was charged with one count of murder, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of possession of a forged instrument. Thompson’s murder, which occurred last week outside a hotel in New York City, has captured national attention, spurring conversations about gun violence, corporate America, and the health care industry.
The suspect’s attorney has said that he intends to plead not guilty to all charges.
Mangione’s Reddit Posts
The archived Reddit posts may shed light on Mangione’s interests and mental state over the last eight years. He appears to have been active on the platform since 2016 under the username "Mister_Cactus," posting most frequently about spine health, travel, and gaming.
Posts about Spondylolisthesis
The activity on the "Mister_Cactus" account included posts on a subreddit focused on spondylolisthesis, a condition in which a bone in the spine slips out of alignment and puts pressure on the lower vertebrae and the nerves around the spine.
In comments exchanged with another user on the subreddit in April, "Mister_Cactus" wrote that his condition "went bad to the point where I felt it every day."
Posts about Restless Sleep
On a separate subreddit, the "Mister_Cactus" account solicited guidance in 2018 about "restless sleep," describing waking up frequently throughout the night and feeling "unrefreshed no matter how much sleep I get."
Posts about Spinal Fusion Surgery
The Reddit posts suggest that the account holder underwent spinal fusion surgery in 2023 and that he grappled with the decision beforehand.
Spinal fusion surgery involves inserting bone or a bonelike material into the space between two spinal bones, then connecting the grafts and the bones with metal plates, screws, or rods. The goal is to fuse the bones to relieve pressure on the vertebrae and reinforce the spine’s shape and stability.
Corresponding Social Media Posts
The Reddit posts correspond with the activity of accounts that seem to be linked to Mangione on other social media platforms. An account that appears to be his on the book review site Goodreads has on its "read" list books about chronic back pain and dieting, as well as "Industrial Society and Its Future," the so-called Unabomber Manifesto written by domestic terrorist Ted Kaczynski.
Friends’ Accounts
Two people who were in touch with Mangione in recent years told NBC News that he talked to them about either his back pain or his concerns about the U.S. health care system.
Conclusion
The archived Reddit posts provide a glimpse into Mangione’s life and struggles with chronic back pain, restless sleep, and mental health. The posts may shed light on his motivations and state of mind at the time of the murder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Luigi Mangione charged with?
A: Mangione was charged with one count of murder, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of possession of a forged instrument.
Q: What was the motive behind the murder?
A: The motive behind the murder is still unknown and under investigation.
Q: Will Mangione’s Reddit posts be used as evidence in the trial?
A: It is possible that the Reddit posts will be used as evidence in the trial, but the exact use of the evidence has not been disclosed.
