Landlord says chronic pain made Luigi Mangione unable to be physically intimate before CEO shooting

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, struggled with debilitating back pain that affected his physical and emotional well-being, according to his former landlord as reported by The New York Times. RJ Martin, who rented Mangione a co-living space in Honolulu in 2022, described him as an intelligent and accomplished individual whose chronic pain deeply impacted his life.

Mangione reportedly suffered from a misaligned spine and a pinched nerve, causing him constant discomfort. Martin recalled Mangione saying that his condition made dating or physical intimacy impossible. “My heart breaks for him,” Martin said, describing Mangione as an ideal tenant who fit the community’s values of giving back according to the New York Times.

After a back surgery, Mangione reportedly became estranged from his family and friends, with a former high school classmate noting he had lost touch with loved ones. His Goodreads account revealed several books about chronic back pain, suggesting he was searching for solutions to his ongoing health issues.

Speculations about a connection between Mangione’s chronic pain and the killing of Thompson have emerged. Mangione was arrested with a manifesto criticizing health insurance companies, accusing them of prioritizing profits over patients’ well-being. This has led to questions about whether his frustrations with the healthcare system motivated the crime.

Mangione had been living at the Honolulu property for six months in 2022, paying $2,000 monthly. During his stay, he reportedly opened up to Martin about his struggles, though his demeanor was otherwise upbeat and positive.

The shocking crime has drawn attention to Mangione’s struggles and the broader issues of chronic pain management and corporate healthcare policies, leaving many to wonder how these factors might have contributed to the tragedy. Investigations into the case are ongoing.