People who knew him labeled him as an intelligent, reserved,nice kid.
And how does such a person, despite their crimes, become an icon in the eyes of many?
Efrain A. Beliz Jr., whose insights shed light on the motivations and public reactions swirling around Mangiones case.
Villain or crusader?
According to Dr. Carvajal, Mangioneis someone whoreasoned his way into anextreme position.
Thiswasnt a case of mental illness in the traditional sense, Carvajal stressed.
The 26-year-old wasnt delusional or psychotic.
Mangiones frustrations withthedenial ofinsuranceclaims resonated with a public that has long harboreddistrust and angertoward healthcare corporations.
He believed he could exact justice in a way that others couldntor wouldnt.
His intentions were pure, in his mind, says Carvajal.
He felt he was sacrificing himself for the greater good.
Image credits:PepMangione
For Dr. Beliz, the prime cause of someone resorting to crime is often despair.
These parasites simply had it coming, Mangione wrote in hismanifesto.
Idoapologize for any strife or traumas, but it had tobe done.
Evidently,I am the first to face it with such brutal honesty, Mangione wrote.
His evidence has resulted in people being sent to prison and even killed.
However, Mangiones case still baffles him, mainly because of the way the public has reacted to it.
On social media, Mangione has been lionized by some as a modern-day Robin Hood.
From theinside, theyre sending a message that says, Were looking out for this guy.
This is a message youll only understand if youve worked in prisons and courts.
The desire to leave a lasting impression and a large footprint can inspire others, especially the most marginalized.
For Dr. Carvajal, the publics positive reception of Mangioneis mainly explainedby external factors.
He doesnt have the contextual factors people typically associate with criminality, Carvajal noted.
A lot ofCEOsare extremely anxious, probably thinking they could be next, Dr. Carvajal pondered.
Theyve been taking down their social media profiles, hiding their identities, and hiring bodyguards.
As he awaits trial, his destiny is still up in the air.
Its going to come down to the jury, Carvajal said.
Flesh and blood people.
Their own biases could come into play.
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