Mangione lawyers to meet federal prosecutors amid plea deal reports

Attorneys for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024, are scheduled to meet with federal prosecutors on Friday. This meeting comes amid media reports suggesting a potential plea agreement in the case.

Mangione is currently facing two federal stalking charges, each carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without parole. It remains unclear which specific charges are under discussion during the upcoming meeting. Jamie McDonald, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), confirmed a conference is scheduled but offered no further details.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges in both the federal and a separate state case. The discussion of a plea deal does not guarantee an agreement will be reached, as such arrangements are subject to court approval and can fall apart during negotiations.

Federal prosecutors initially brought stalking charges against Mangione for allegedly tracking and surveilling Thompson with the intent to kill him. In January, a federal judge dismissed two other charges, one of which had the potential for a death sentence. Mangione's legal team has previously argued against facing trials in both state and federal court, citing double jeopardy protections.

If Mangione were to plead guilty in the federal case, his attorneys might argue that the state case violates the constitutional protection against being prosecuted twice for the same crime. New York's state constitution also prohibits double jeopardy. Mangione's state trial is slated for September 8, while the federal trial is scheduled for January 2027.

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There's a conference scheduled for 11 am on Friday, and that's all we can say at this time.