Mangione lawyers to meet federal prosecutors amid reports of plea deal

Lawyers representing Luigi Mangione, accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, are set to confer with federal prosecutors on Friday, as US media outlets report a possible plea deal. Mangione faces two federal charges of stalking resulting in death, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The specific charges being discussed remain unclear. A press conference is scheduled for 11 am on Friday to provide further details.

Alongside the federal charges, Mangione is also on trial in a separate state court for Thompson's death. He has entered a not guilty plea to all charges in both cases. However, a plea deal does not guarantee its finalization, as it must be approved by the court and a new hearing is typically held for the defendant to enter a fresh plea.

Federal prosecutors initiated the stalking charges, claiming Mangione traveled between states and conducted electronic surveillance with the intent to kill or harm Thompson. They allege these actions led to the CEO's death. A federal judge dismissed two additional charges in January, including murder through the use of a firearm, which could have led to the death penalty.

Mangione's attorneys argue he should not be tried in both state and federal courts. While the judges overseeing both cases have permitted the trials to continue, if Mangione pleads guilty in the federal case, it could invoke the double jeopardy clause in Mangione's state trial. New York's state constitution also prohibits double jeopardy, which, if invoked, might impact the outcome of his state trial. The state case is set to commence on September 8, while the federal trial is scheduled for January 2027.