The recent news that Luigi Mangione is a suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has left his former roommate, R.J. Martin, in disbelief. Martin expressed his shock, stating that the idea of Mangione being involved in such a crime is 'unfathomable.'
Martin described their relationship as more than just roommates; they were friends who lived together in a co-living and co-working community in Hawaii. He praised Mangione as a thoughtful and friendly individual who had good relationships with everyone. Martin even considered Mangione to be a bit of a leader.
Prior to moving in, Martin interviewed Mangione to ensure he was a good fit for their living situation. During the interview, Mangione mentioned having a back issue and expressed his desire to get stronger in Hawaii. Martin recalled that Mangione's attempt at a basic surf lesson resulted in a week-long recovery period, which he described as traumatic.
Mangione had undergone surgery earlier in the year, which involved having screws inserted into his body. Martin shared that Mangione had shown him X-rays of the procedure, depicting large screws in his spine. Following the surgery, their communication dwindled, with Martin mentioning that Mangione never discussed guns or violence.
According to Martin, Mangione was not a violent person based on his interactions and behavior. Martin emphasized that Mangione's character did not align with any tendencies towards violence or aggression.