Luigi Mangione, the young killer who sparks admiration and controversy on social media.

Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man, has found himself caught in a whirlwind of controversy and media attention after being accused of murdering the CEO of the insurance company UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, in New York. This case has attracted not only media coverage but also a significant number of admirers who have begun sending him letters and deposits while he serves his sentence in a Pennsylvania jail. During his brief stay at the Huntingdon correctional facility, Mangione received no fewer than 87 letters and 54 emails from followers and admirers, who seem to empathize with his situation. This phenomenon has sparked a debate about the fascination that certain individuals hold over the public, even in such tragic and criminal circumstances. Some of these messages come from people identifying themselves as "fans" of the young man, leading many to question the nature of this devotion. In addition to the letters, Mangione accumulated 163 deposits in his prison account, allowing him to purchase food and other items within the facility. Although authorities have not disclosed the total amount of money he received, this fact highlights the strange dynamic between crime and public admiration. The culture of "criminal fandom" seems to be on the rise, with individuals glorifying those who commit heinous acts. Social media has played a crucial role in shaping Mangione's image. On platforms such as TikTok, his admirers share messages and posts that exalt him, describing him as a kind of "vigilante" rebelling against the injustices of health insurers. A prominent comment from a follower reads: "Hi Luigi, I'm sure you've received countless messages from people around the world. The Internet is really in love with you." These words reflect a concerning phenomenon in which crime is romanticized. The crime that led to Mangione's imprisonment was brutal. On December 4, he shot and killed Thompson in broad daylight in Manhattan, an act that not only shocked the community but also highlighted the growing violence on the city’s streets. Authorities discovered a notebook belonging to the accused, in which he expressed his disdain for health insurers and their executives, suggesting that his motivations may have been related to a personal conflict with the sector. Mangione's story has become a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolizing criminal figures. While some view him as a symbol of resistance, others see him as a murderer who has taken the life of another human being. This polarization of opinions underscores the ethical dilemmas that arise when the criminal is humanized rather than the victim. As the case moves through the judicial system, the attention Mangione is receiving could further complicate his situation. The fame he has acquired could influence the judicial process, creating an environment that diminishes the seriousness of his crime. This phenomenon has led many to question the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of justice and crime. The fascination with Mangione resonates within a broader context of how society reacts to violent crimes and the figures who commit them. Often, this interest turns into a spectacle, where the criminal becomes a media star and the victim is forgotten. In this sense, Mangione's case reflects current times, where the lines between good and evil seem to blur in the public eye. Authorities continue to investigate both the crime and the phenomenon of admiration that has arisen around Mangione. Meanwhile, the case continues to evolve, generating debates that extend beyond the simple legal question. Media attention, social media, and the culture of criminal fandom intertwine in a narrative that promises to keep capturing society's attention in the coming months.