Luigi Mangione expected to plead guilty in US CEO killing

US authorities anticipate that 28-year-old Luigi Mangione will plead guilty on Friday to resolve charges stemming from the fatal shooting of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson, according to a source familiar with the case. Prosecutors will likely advise a life sentence, with the hearing scheduled for Friday before US District Judge Margaret Garnett.

The purpose of the hearing remains unclear and could potentially fall through. While plea talks between federal prosecutors and Mangione's legal team occurred in late June, they did not result in an agreement, with two sources familiar with the negotiations confirming this. The New York Times reported earlier this week that Mangione was expected to plead guilty in Manhattan federal court on Friday.

Mangione is accused of two federal counts of stalking leading to death, which could result in life imprisonment without parole. His federal trial, set to begin on January 5, will involve jury selection and the defense has argued to dismiss a federal murder charge that could have led to the death penalty. Prior to the shooting, Mangione, a University of Pennsylvania graduate and former data engineer, faced charges in New York state, including second-degree murder and other charges, with jury selection for that trial beginning on September 8.

Mangione's lawyers have managed to reduce both cases, dismissing a federal murder charge and a first-degree murder charge by New York prosecutors. Mangione has pleaded not guilty in both sets of charges.