Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty on Friday in a federal case related to the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The 28-year-old faces two counts of stalking resulting in death connected to the alleged murder that occurred in December 2024 on a Manhattan sidewalk. Mangione's court appearance is scheduled for the morning in Manhattan federal court.
If he pleads guilty, Mangione may still face a potential life sentence, although he hopes for a lesser sentence from US District Judge Margaret Garnett. Sources indicate that he could change his mind about the plea before or during the court appearance. A plea deal could complicate a separate state case against him, which is set for trial on September 8, due to New York's double jeopardy laws. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office, which has primary jurisdiction, may still pursue a trial if it disapproves of any plea agreement.
Mangione, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, was previously charged with two counts of stalking resulting in death, while other charges, including a death-penalty-eligible count of murder, were dismissed due to legal issues. He was apprehended after a five-day manhunt in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Prosecutors allege that he planned the murder as a political statement, leaving bullet casings at the scene with phrases that suggest an intent to criticize insurance practices. The federal trial is tentatively scheduled for early 2027 if a plea deal is not reached.