Lawyer reveals why she thinks Luigi Mangione may be CLEARED of murder

Alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione could easily be cleared of murder if jurors chosen to try him secretly agree with his ideology, a top defense lawyer says. 

Speaking with Fox News, Idaho based attorney Edwina Elcox likened Mangione to a 'modern-day Robin Hood' character, adding that jury selection was vital in the case.

Elcox said: 'Jury selection is going to be critical in Mangione's case. It's a fascinating case.

'The CEO was a terribly unsympathetic figurehead of a company that has droves of horror stories about how [it] treated people who desperately needed various medical interventions. 

'Juxtaposed against handsome, educated, talented young man with no criminal history.'

Mangione, 26, is accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare boss Brian Thompson, 50, outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 4. 

He's due in a New York City court Friday afternoon on state murder and terror charges.

The crime was a shocking one and prosecutors say they have a slam-dunk case.

But Mangione has become a folk hero among many Americans who've been stiffed or seen loved ones mistreated by insurance companies, with UnitedHealthcare having an appalling reputation for patient care.

Jurors will be heavily screened with very specific questions aimed at learning whether they may be biased towards the defense or the prosecution in a bid to ensure the trial is a fair one. 

But there are fears some may lie to the court in order to try and clear Mangione. 

Elcox, whose past clients have included killer 'cult mom' Lori Vallow, explained the concept of jury nullification, when a jury votes not guilty in a case, even though they believe the defendant is guilty. 

This can happen if jurors believe that the law is immoral, or if they want to send a message about a certain issue. 

Mangione pleaded not guilty to a 11-count indictment that charged him with murder as an act of terrorism and weapons offenses in December.

Shell casings found at the scene were inscribed with 'delay', 'deny', and 'depose' in reference to American health insurance tactics.

He has been imprisoned at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since after his at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9. 

Mangione is being held in the facility alongside several other high-profile defendants, including Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried.

Details have leaked from the jail of his reaction to his polarizing notoriety, but he made no public statements other than to plead not guilty - until last week.

Mangione's lawyers, from Agnifilo Intrater, set up a website documenting his case, including a message from the alleged killer thanking his fans.

'I am overwhelmed by - and grateful for - everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support,' he said.

'Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe.'

He added: 'While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. 

'Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future.' 

More than $400,000 has been raised by 'sick' fans who made it their mission to support his ongoing legal battle.

Mangione was detained on firearm charges and was carrying a 'ghost gun', believed to have been made with a 3D printer, when he was arrested.

Prosecutors alleged the gun was the same seen in CCTV footage where a hooded figure shot Thompson in the leg and back from behind.

He also was carrying a notebook expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and especially wealthy executives, according to federal prosecutors.

Mangione will appear in state court in Manhattan today, with his lawyers and prosecutors expected to give updates on the case. 

Defense lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo argued at his Dec. 23 arraignment that 'warring jurisdictions' had turned Mangione into a 'human ping-pong ball.'

She accused New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other government officials of tainting the jury pool by bringing Mangione back to Manhattan in a choreographed spectacle involving heavily armed officers escorting him up a pier from a heliport.

Friedman Agnifilo singled out Adams´ comment on a local TV station that he wanted to be there to look 'him in the eye and say, `you carried out this terroristic act in my city.´'