Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the murder of controversial UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has become an unlikely social media sensation following his arrest. The 26-year-old, picked up in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on charges of weapon possession and forgery, saw his Instagram followers explode from 975 to over 27,000 overnight. And the comments? A mix of unsettling admiration and outright thirst. Despite his profile being inactive since 2021, fans have flooded his posts with everything from praise to calls for crowdfunding his legal defense. Some even romanticised him, with one user boldly declaring their attraction.  

The frenzy didn’t stop there. Mangione’s X account (formerly Twitter) briefly grew to over 80,000 followers before being suspended. A linked YouTube account also uploaded a cryptic video referencing his arrest, prompting YouTube to terminate it for impersonation violations. Meanwhile, authorities are busy digging through Mangione’s residences and digital devices for evidence. While his arraignment unfolds, the internet seems more interested in turning him into the latest "hot suspect," raising questions about our fascination with criminals in the social media age—here's some of the biggest ones that we've spotted over the years:

Jeremy Meeks: The "Hot Felon"

The king of viral mugshots, Jeremy Meeks turned his arrest into a career. After being booked on weapons charges in 2014, his chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes set social media ablaze. Meeks went on to sign a modelling contract after serving his sentence, strutting down runways at New York Fashion Week and beyond.

Meagan Simmons: The "Attractive Convict"
 

Meagan Simmons' DUI mugshot from 2010 took the internet by storm years later, earning her the title of "hot convict." Her sultry expression spawned countless memes and debates about society’s fascination with beauty. While she’s kept a relatively low profile since, her viral fame remains a bizarre chapter in internet history.

Stephanie Beaudoin: The "World’s Sexiest Criminal"

Stephanie Beaudoin became infamous in 2014 for breaking into over 40 homes in Canada—and for her modelling-worthy mugshot. Dubbed the "World’s Sexiest Criminal," Beaudoin's stunning looks stole the spotlight from her criminal activities, making her an international sensation.

Charles Sobhraj: The "Bikini Killer"

Known for his charm, wit, and sharp fashion sense, Charles Sobhraj used his good looks to manipulate and deceive victims across Asia in the 1970s. Dubbed the "Bikini Killer," his calculated crimes and suave demeanour were chillingly effective. Netflix's The Serpent reignited interest in his deadly allure.

Ted Bundy: The "Charismatic Killer"

Ted Bundy, one of history’s most infamous serial killers, weaponised his charm and boy-next-door looks to lure victims. During his trial in the 1970s, women were captivated by his eloquence and charisma, with some even writing him love letters. Despite his horrific crimes, Bundy’s chilling allure remains a topic of fascination.