Luigi Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman-Agnifilo, has an unexpected connection to Sean “Diddy” Combs. Married to Marc Agnifilo, who is defending the rapper against sex trafficking charges, Karen’s involvement in high-profile cases marks another instance of this husband-wife duo simultaneously tackling significant legal battles.
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old suspect in the high-profile killing of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson, was apprehended by police at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 2024. The arrest has drawn intense public and media scrutiny, with Karen Friedman-Agnifilo stepping in to represent the accused.
Karen, a seasoned legal professional, spent nearly three decades as a prosecutor before transitioning into private practice. She previously served as head of the sex crimes unit and chief of the trial division in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. In 2021, she left public service to join her husband Marc’s firm, Agnifilo Intrater LLP, where she is now a partner.
Marc Agnifilo, her husband, is currently representing Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs against charges of sex trafficking. Marc has a long history of defending controversial clients, including Martin Shkreli, Keith Raniere, and Roger Ng. Following Combs’ arrest, Marc described the rapper as “not a criminal” and expressed confidence in his client’s innocence.
Karen’s legal acumen is widely recognized. “She knows every corridor, every judge, every clerk in the courthouse,” a New York prosecutor told CNN. Her transition from public to private practice has seen her take on roles beyond the courtroom, including serving as a legal analyst for CNN and appearing on Law & Order as a legal advisor.
With both Karen and Marc Agnifilo commanding attention in their respective cases, their personal and professional lives are intersecting in a way few could have predicted. Their combined expertise is now shaping two of the most closely watched cases of the year.