Luigi Mangione could make a major move in the federal case tied to the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Sources said that Mangione expects to plead guilty Friday. However, the 28-year-old could still change his mind before or during the hearing.
Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty in federal court Friday in the Brian Thompson case, though sources say he could still change course
Mangione faces two federal counts of stalking resulting in death. Prosecutors say those charges relate to Thompson’s December 2024 killing on a Manhattan sidewalk. According to the New York Post, Mangione could still face life in prison if he pleads guilty. He would hope U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett gives him a lower sentence.
The federal case could also affect Mangione’s separate New York state case. His state trial is set to start September 8. If Mangione does reach a federal plea deal, New York’s double jeopardy laws might limit that case. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has claimed primary jurisdiction because it charged Mangione with murder first.
Federal prosecutors previously faced two other serious charges against Mangione. A judge dropped a murder charge, which could have led to the death penalty, and another charge due to legal issues. Now Mangione is on trial in federal court on two charges for stalking. If he is unable to reach a plea agreement, he may face a federal trial in early 2027.
Mangione faces accusations in the December 2024 killing of Thompson. Prosecutors say he planned the shooting as a political statement. They also say police found shell casings with the words “delay” and “deny” at the crime scene. Mangione was picked up after a five-day manhunt at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
The Friday hearing could be the next big step in the federal case. According to the New York Post, sources warned that Mangione may drop the plea before or during the hearing. His defense team and federal prosecutors jointly requested the Friday conference. The hearing is scheduled for August 14 in Manhattan federal court.
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Reported by Ayusi Adhikari on Mandatory.
