Accused in healthcare boss killing faces possible federal plea deal
Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson in New York in 2024, is due in court for a hastily arranged hearing.
The hearing comes as US media report that prosecutors may be considering a plea deal in his federal case.
Federal charges
Mangione, 28, faces two federal charges of stalking resulting in death, each carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison.
It remains unclear which charges could be included in any potential agreement.
Any plea deal would have to be approved by the court before it could take effect.
Separate state case
Mangione also faces a separate state trial over Thompson’s death.
He has previously pleaded not guilty to all charges in both the federal and state cases.
If he accepts a guilty plea in the federal case, his lawyers could potentially seek to have the state case dismissed on double-jeopardy grounds.
Legal battle continues
The possible plea negotiations could significantly change the course of the high-profile case, although no final agreement has been confirmed.
Mangione’s court appearance is expected to provide further clarity on the status of the federal prosecution and any potential deal.
