Crime
Watch: UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione yells at reporters while being escorted inside courthouse
“This is completely unjust and an insult to the intelligence of the American people!” (Followed by something else that couldn’t be heard clearly.)
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the high-profile shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, caused a scene as he was escorted into the courthouse on Tuesday.
Mangione, 26, shouted at reporters who had gathered outside to cover his arraignment, displaying visible agitation.
Flanked by law enforcement officers, Mangione appeared defiant, his voice rising above the commotion as he addressed members of the press.
“This is completely unjust and an insult to the intelligence of the American people!” (Followed by something else that couldn’t be heard clearly.)
This incident unfolded as Mangione was being brought into the courthouse to face multiple charges, including first-degree murder, related to the fatal shooting of Thompson in what police have described as a “brazen, targeted attack.”
The suspect’s outburst adds another layer of tension to a case that has already drawn significant public and media attention.
Authorities have linked Mangione to the crime through a range of evidence, including a ghost gun, clothing consistent with surveillance footage, and handwritten notes suggesting ill will toward corporate America.
Mangione’s courtroom appearance marks the next phase in a case that has captivated the nation and raised questions about motive and mental state. Law enforcement and legal experts continue to scrutinize the circumstances leading up to Thompson’s death, as well as the suspect’s behavior in its aftermath.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.