An unexpected hearing has been scheduled in the federal stalking case against Luigi Mangione. The hearing is set for 11am on Friday in Manhattan federal court, following a joint request from prosecutors and Mangione’s lawyers.
This development has led to speculation that Mangione, who is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, may be seeking a plea deal. Such a deal could potentially conclude a murder prosecution in New York state court, which is scheduled to begin next month.
Mangione has previously pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges concerning the death of Brian Thompson in December 2024 on a midtown Manhattan street. Rumours of a potential plea deal in the federal case have been circulating since late June.
New York prosecutors have stated they are aware of reports regarding a possible guilty plea in the federal case and have indicated they would be prepared to lobby federal prosecutors for a severe sentence. They also noted that a proposed federal guilty plea could undermine a just outcome in the state prosecution.
The scheduling of this hearing follows a state court hearing yesterday that cleared the way for Mangione’s murder trial to commence on 8 September.