COCKEYSVILLE, Md. - Residents in a quiet Baltimore County community are grappling with the shocking news that a former neighbor, Luigi Mangione, has been named a person of interest in the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City last week.
Mangione, 26, was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday - about 300 miles from the crime scene.
Police and security vehicles now block the entrance to Hayfields Country Club, owned by Mangione's family, where at least one of his parents lives.
Neighbors described Mangione, who grew up in Cockeysville, as part of a well-known and respected family in Maryland.
"You know, I'm just shocked," said Chad Chilcot, a neighbor who lives steps away from several Mangione family members.
"The Mangione family is a lovely family. And they've been involved in the community quite a bit. Very well respected," he said.
Mangione, a Gilman School graduate and valedictorian of his class in Baltimore, left a lasting impression on classmates who are struggling to reconcile their memories with the recent allegations.
"I was like, why did that person look familiar?" said Corey Wey, a former classmate. "Still at this moment, it's just really surreal to me. I've been in contact with a lot of people who went to my school or are from the area, and knew who he was. And they're all really devastated and shocked by this news as well."
Mangione is also related to Maryland State Delegate Nino Mangione. In a statement sent to FOX 5, the delegate said, "Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi's arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson, and we ask people to pray for all involved. We are devastated by this news."
As the investigation unfolds, the tight-knit Cockeysville community is left grappling with the shocking allegations tied to one of its own.
"It's got to be terrible to be in their position," Chilcot said of the Mangione family.
Residents say they are still trying to process the news, which has shaken their normally tranquil neighborhood.