Luigi Mangione could plead guilty in federal case
By Kara Scannell, Hannah Rabinowitz, Elizabeth Wolfe
(CNN) – Luigi Mangione is due in federal court Friday after both the prosecution and defense hastily called for an appearance earlier this week without any clear explanation. Though it is unclear what is in store, people familiar with the matter say plea negotiations are underway and Mangione could plead guilty.
Plea negotiations are ongoing between Mangione’s attorneys and federal prosecutors, but sources familiar with the discussions have cautioned that talks remain fluid, and nothing is final until it’s announced in court.
US District Judge Margaret Garnett will need to sign off on any plea agreement. A lawyer for Mangione and a spokesman for the US attorney’s office both declined to comment.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges connected to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.
In the Southern District of New York, Mangione faces federal stalking charges connected to Thompson’s killing.
In the state case, he faces second-degree murder and weapons charges.
State prosecutors have accused Mangione’s lawyers of trying to get that case thrown out on double jeopardy grounds under New York State law, which says a defendant can’t be tried twice for the same crime.
A federal plea would likely raise questions about whether the state prosecution moves forward, although the immediate impact is unclear.
The 28-year-old has gained cult-like support on social media and in court. Many of his supporters harbor deep frustration and anger at the American for-profit healthcare system.
Just weeks from now, Mangione is slated to begin his state murder trial, which is expected to draw such massive public interest that the court has planned overflow seating for media and the public.
The-CNN-Wire
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