Meet Brian Thompson's Widow As Luigi Mangione Faces Her In Court; Couple Lived Separately For Years

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Two years after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot at point-blank range in Manhattan, his sobbing widow came face-to-face with her husband's killer for the first time as he pleaded guilty to the murder. On August 14, 2026, in court, 28-year-old Luigi Mangione of Maryland pled guilty to federal stalking charges against the 50-year-old, stating, “I shot Mr. Thompson, and he died.”

The case brought the personal life of the late businessman into focus as Mangione confronted the victim's family, and more importantly, his widow. Paulette Thompson, in a blue dress and sunglasses, became visibly emotional as Mangione admitted to federal charges tied to Thompson’s killing in December 2024. 

Who is Brian Thompson's wife, Paulette?

Paulette Thompson, who also goes by the nickname Pauly, was seated in the front row with other members of the Thompson family and wiped away tears during the hearing on Friday. Based on what is known about her, she is a physical therapist from Minnesota who had two sons with the late UnitedHealthcare CEO. The couple had been together for years before their relationship hit a rough patch.

In what have been the final years of his life, Brian Thompson and Paulette lived in two separate properties in Minnesota, though they legally remained husband and wife. Following his death, Paulette was described in the family's statement as his wife. 

Public records reviewed by E! News showed that Brian had registered a different Minnesota address in 2021, while Paulette remained associated with the couple's longtime Maple Grove home. The separate residences were reportedly less than a mile apart. Notably, there has been no reliable public confirmation that the couple was legally divorced before Thompson's death. Reports have consistently described them as separated or living apart rather than divorced.

Despite the separation, Paulette remained connected to Brian and their children. After his killing, she described him as a loving, generous, and talented man who had been a devoted father. In a statement to Fox News Digital, shared shortly after his death, Mrs. Thompson said:

"We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. More importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed."

Paulette Thompson's life changed after Brian's killing

Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 4, 2024, while heading to UnitedHealth Group's annual investor conference. At the time, Paulette said Brian had previously received threats. She told NBC News that she knew there had been people threatening him, although she did not know the details. She also said authorities believed the attack had been planned.

His death left Paulette to navigate the tragedy alongside their two sons. Nearly two years later, she returned to the public spotlight for one of the most significant developments in the case: her husband's killer's confession.

Mangione, 28, pleaded guilty Friday to federal charges of interstate stalking resulting in death and stalking through the use of interstate facilities resulting in death. During the hearing, he admitted that he shot Thompson and said his actions were driven by years of severe back pain and frustration with the health insurance system. 

Paulette did not speak publicly after the hearing, but her family's statement made clear that they viewed the plea as an important moment. The family said:

"Today’s guilty plea marks an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family. While nothing will ease the pain of losing him, we are grateful that the federal justice system has held the person responsible for this heinous act accountable. Now we look to the court to ensure that sentencing reflects the severity of this crime... we will continue to seek the justice Brian deserves."

Mangione is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in December 2026 and could receive life in prison. He also faces a separate murder case in New York. 

Image credit: REUTERS, UnitedHealthcare

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