Luigi Mangione expected to plead guilty in federal stalking case

Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is expected to plead guilty on Friday in Manhattan federal court to stalking charges. This federal case is distinct from the murder, weapons, and forgery charges he faces in New York state court, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

State prosecutors have expressed concerns that a federal plea agreement could undermine their case, potentially impacting the state prosecution through double jeopardy protections. Attorneys for Mangione are scheduled to meet with federal prosecutors on Friday. The federal stalking charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole, though it is unclear which specific charges are under discussion.

Mangione's defense team has previously argued against being tried in both state and federal courts. The state murder trial is slated to begin on September 8, while the federal trial is scheduled for January 2027. Any plea deal must be approved by the court.