MariaSanta Mangione, sister of accused killer Luigi MangioneJust months before her brother was set to enroll, she was reportedly awarded a prestigious medical scholarship at Johns Hopkins University stand trial UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed.
The 36-year-old physician-scientist will begin conducting cardiovascular disease research at the Maryland-based institution in July, the New York Post reported. Johns Hopkins University announced its incoming fellows through a social media post, with Maria Santa listed as one of only 10 candidates selected for the competitive program.
The development raised eyebrows because of its timing, as Luigi Mangione’s high-profile murder trial is set to begin in September.
Maria Santa Mangione’s Medical Career
While Luigi Mangione attended the University of Pennsylvania, his sister embarked on a long career in academic and medical research.
According to her LinkedIn profile, MariaSanta studied cell biology and molecular genetics at the University of Maryland before completing the MD-PhD physician-scientist program at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 2020.
She recently completed a cardiology fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. The report also notes that she has contributed to cardiovascular and biomedical research publications over the years.
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Johns Hopkins is widely regarded as one of the top medical institutions in the United States, and its cardiovascular fellowship is one of the most selective programs in the field.
Brian Thompson murder trial set to begin
Luigi Mangione, 28, charged in connection with the December 2024 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO Brian Thompson In midtown Manhattan.
Prosecutors claimed the attack was targeted and claimed investigators found writings related to the defendants, including statements critical of the health insurance industry. Prosecutors may present the 3D-printed gun allegedly linked to the shooting during the trial, the New York Post reported.
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Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges related to the case.
The defendant remains being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn ahead of his high-profile trial, which is expected to begin on September 8.
If convicted on state charges, Mangione could face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
