MANGIONE UNDER CONSTANT WATCH: A witness for the state, CO Thomas Rivers from State Prison (SCI Huntingdon), a Level 4 out of 5 maximum-security facility (with 5 being the highest), testified that his supervisor ordered him to document Luigi Mangione’s movements seven times per hour under “constant watch.” He said he was told they did not want another “Epstein situation.”
Mangione was moved from Blair County Jail to state prison for increased security, to limit communication with other inmates, prevent media leaks, and ensure safety. He describes Mangione's cell with a concrete bed, desk and chair, and toilet in the corner. Rivers testified he had access to books, but no other entertainment when he was housed at SCI Huntingdon from Dec 9-19.
Rivers testified that Mangione was on his bed in his cell, and asked him where he was from after hearing him speak to another officer (Rivers speaks with an English? accent). They began to talk about traveling to Vietnam and Thailand. Rivers said he brought up a gang fight with lady boys, and different mental states in 3rd world countries compared to the West. He said Mangione mentioned those people experience a level of suffering that we don’t have, and that the less people have, the happier they are. Rivers testified that he didn't think this conversation had any relevance to the alleged crimes that had been committed.
Rivers also said they spoke about the difference between private healthcare and national healthcare, but Mangione did not offer any opinions. He doesn't remember who brought up the conversation, but said it was "casual."