The Mangione family is being defended by friends and acquaintances as the media descends on the alleged CEO killer's hometown.

The Mangione family, prominent in Maryland, has been deeply affected by the arrest of their alleged CEO killer, Luigi Mangione, but those who know them describe them as a "great" family.

Thomas Maronick Jr., a friend of the family and radio host in Maryland, stated that the arrest of Mangione was "shocking," emphasizing that the Mangione family is "highly respected." The family owns multiple golf courses and clubs throughout the state, in addition to a radio station and other facilities.

"On Wednesday, "Fox & Friends" reported that Maronick, the owner of a radio station, stated that the Mangione family, who also owned golf courses, WCBM, and a retirement home, were not involved in charity and were not respected in general."

Nick Mangione Jr. is Luigi's uncle and the family is very tight-knit, with Nick Mangione Sr. passing down leadership to him. Maronick claims he may have met Mangione in-person "in passing," but does not remember any specific encounter.

An unnamed acquaintance of the family who requested anonymity stated that he has been Nick Jr.'s longtime neighbor for over a decade. In an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital on Tuesday, he praised the family, particularly Nick Sr., as "the one who started it all." He also fondly remembered giving popsicles to the family's youngest members.

"They are a great family, except for one," the man said.

Louis Mangione, Luigi's father, owns Haysfield Country Club in Cockeysville, Maryland, and the family resides on the property. The club and the upscale shopping center nearby are the focal points of the town.

Luigi's family's wealth enabled him to attend Baltimore's Gilman School, a private K-12 school with an annual tuition of approximately $40,000. In 2016, he graduated as the top of his class.

Neither the former neighbor nor Maronick claimed any knowledge of the Mangione family facing health problems or being denied insurance claims. However, Luigi suffered a back injury and chronic pain recently, and it is uncertain whether he or his family had issues with insurance coverage for treatment.

"Maronick expressed surprise that the family, with their wealth and involvement in healthcare and retirement homes, would struggle to pay insurance bills."

Luigi's arrest has left the Mangione family "devastated," as stated by Maryland State Delegate Nino Mangione, who is Luigi's cousin.

"Luigi Mangione's arrest has left us in shock and devastation. We cannot comment on news reports regarding him as we only have what we have read in the media. Our family is deeply saddened by this news and we offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson. We ask people to pray for all those involved."