Attorneys representing Luigi Mangione, who is accused of the 2024 killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, are set to meet federal prosecutors on Friday. This meeting follows US media reports concerning a potential plea agreement.
Mr Mangione faces two federal stalking crimes, which carry a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole. However, it was not immediately clear which specific charges are currently under discussion.
Jamie McDonald, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), stated this week, "There's a conference scheduled for 11 am on Friday, and that's all we can say at this time."
Mr Mangione also faces a separate state trial in connection with the case and has pleaded not guilty to all charges in both federal and state proceedings. A plea deal does not guarantee an agreement will be reached, and any such arrangement would require court approval.
If Mr Mangione were to plead guilty in his federal case, his attorneys could argue that the state case would violate double jeopardy, a constitutional protection against being prosecuted twice for the same crime. New York's state constitution also prohibits double jeopardy.
Mr Mangione's state trial is scheduled to begin on 8 September, while his federal trial is listed for January 2027.