“When people get there and they don’t know what’s going on, he’s kind of the one who welcomes them, allays their fears, and shows them the ropes."
Defense attorneys familiar with life inside MDC say Mangione’s newfound "ambassador" status isn’t surprising. “When you murder somebody and it’s a high-profile case, you automatically get a certain status in jail, sadly,” said Staten Island defense lawyer Louis Gelormino to Fox News. “The second part that gives him status is that he probably has a lot of money in his commissary because he comes from a very rich family.”
Mangione, an Ivy League graduate from a wealthy Maryland family, is accused of stalking and fatally shooting Thompson, 50, as the executive walked toward an investor conference in December 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
While awaiting trial, Mangione has been described by inmates and lawyers as a “rule follower” who avoids trouble. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala, who represents other inmates at MDC, told People that Mangione has taken on an informal leadership role among detainees.
"He actually has been extremely nice to brand new people who go in there," Aidala said, adding that some call him an "ambassador" for the facility.
“When people get there and they don’t know what’s going on, he’s kind of the one who welcomes them, allays their fears, and shows them the ropes,” Aidala said. “He’s not bringing in contraband or breaking the rules, and that earns respect from both inmates and guards.”
Mangione’s supporters outside the jail have raised over $1 million for his legal defense and regularly appear at his court hearings with signs demanding his release — some even dressing up as “Luigi” from Super Mario Bros.
Despite that support, Mangione faced scrutiny earlier this year when fans allegedly tried to smuggle him heart-shaped notes hidden in socks during a courthouse visit. If convicted, Mangione faces life in prison for the murder.
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