Meet Thomas Dickey: The Attorney Defending Luigi Mangione in the UHC CEO Shooting Case
3 min read
Jeff Swensen/Getty Images
Thomas Dickey has stepped into the spotlight as the lead defense attorney for Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4. Mangione was apprehended on December 9 at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after an employee recognized him and called 911.
Mangione faces five criminal charges in Pennsylvania and additional allegations in New York, including second-degree murder, three counts of weapons possession, and forgery. Despite the severity of the charges, Mangione has pleaded not guilty and is currently detained at the Huntingdon State Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania after being denied bail twice. He is also resisting extradition to New York.
Luigi Mangione’s lawyer, Thomas Dickey, says there’s no evidence to suggest his client is the shooter.
— AF Post (@AFpost) December 11, 2024
Mangione is expected to plead not guilty.
Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/XGbLfbhKgP
Thomas Dickey, a seasoned defense lawyer from Pennsylvania, addressed reporters on Tuesday, expressing confidence in his client’s continued not-guilty pleas across both states. He questioned the evidence tying Mangione to the crime, stating that New York authorities would need to convince him of his client’s involvement.
Who Is Thomas Dickey?
Thomas M. Dickey, often called Tom Dickey in legal circles, is a prominent defense attorney based in Altoona, Pennsylvania. A lifelong resident of Blair County, Dickey is the founder of Tom Dickey Law Offices, where he has practiced various types of law, including criminal, civil, and family law, across more than 50 Pennsylvania counties and federal courts.
Dickey’s academic journey began at Altoona High School, followed by a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. He earned his law degree from Ohio Northern University and began his career at the Blair County Public Defender’s Office before establishing his private practice in 1984.
🚨BREAKING: Local defense attorney Thomas Dickey is in court today, representing Luigi Mangione at his extradition hearing.
— Gina Milan (@ginamilan_) December 10, 2024
Dickey has built a distinguished defense career, securing dismissals in first-degree murder cases, earning acquittals in high-profile trials, and… pic.twitter.com/ULBFIZk9h8
With over 40 years of legal experience, Dickey is a death-penalty-qualified trial attorney who has argued cases in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Known for securing acquittals in serious cases ranging from first-degree murder to DUIs, Dickey has built a reputation as a skilled and relentless advocate.
He is also a frequent legal commentator on local and national networks, including CNN, where he shares insights on high-profile cases.
Thomas Dickey’s Role in the Luigi Mangione Case
Currently serving as Mangione’s lead defense attorney in Pennsylvania, Dickey has hinted at the possibility of representing his client in New York as well. He revealed that his office has received multiple offers from individuals willing to contribute to Mangione’s legal fees, though he is hesitant to accept such support, citing ethical concerns.
JUST IN Thomas Dickey – Luigi Mangione Lawyer goes full Joe Pesci outside Court 🚨 Doesn't Answer 1 big Q pic.twitter.com/mw3wHFcSYf
— Dortie (@24SevenEyes) December 10, 2024
Outside the Blair County Courthouse following an extradition hearing on Tuesday, Dickey announced plans to file a writ of habeas corpus to challenge Mangione’s bail denial and detention. He also expressed gratitude for the public support shown toward his client, reiterating the principle of presumed innocence under the American justice system.
As the case unfolds, Thomas Dickey’s extensive legal expertise and steadfast defense of Luigi Mangione are expected to play a pivotal role in the high-profile legal battle ahead.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
