Tracing the privileged family roots of suspected killer Luigi Mangione in Baltimore

This week, the surname Mangione became inextricably linked with the cold-blooded killing of a health-insurance executive in New York City, when 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was charged with his murder.

But for decades, the name has meant something entirely different: wealth, power, prominence, philanthropy – particularly within the Italian community of Baltimore.

They’re one of, if not the, “most respected” Italian families in the area, according to Giovanna Aquia Blatterman.

Now 77, Ms Aquia Blatterman, who arrived in the US from Sicily in1953, said she has known three generations of Mangiones.

The family is “generous” and “self-made”, she said, while Luigi, who she met briefly about eight years ago, appeared clever, approachable and handsome – “as you can tell”.

“Something has occurred with him,” she mused, referencing the last several days. “He’s two different people.”

She also insisted he’s innocent until proven guilty: “This is one of the greatest honours of being an American citizen.”