Mangione lawyers to meet federal prosecutors amid reports of plea deal

This video can not be played Watch: What happens if Luigi Mangione pleads guilty in federal court? Attorneys for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, are meeting federal prosecutors on Friday amid US media reports of a potential plea agreement. Mangione faces two federal charges of stalking resulting in death, each carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison. It was not immediately clear which charges are under discussion. "There's a conference scheduled for 11 am on Friday, and that's all we can say at this time," Jamie McDonald, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), said this week. Mangione also faces a separate state trial over Thompson's death. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges in both cases. Discussion of a plea deal does not guarantee one will be reached, and such arrangements can fall apart before they are finalised. Deals must also be approved by the court, and a separate hearing is typically scheduled for the defendant to enter a new plea. Federal prosecutors brought the stalking charges against Mangione, alleging he travelled between states and carried out electronic surveillance with the intention of killing or harming Thompson. Prosecutors allege those actions resulted in Thompson's death. A federal judge threw out two other charges in January, including that of murder through use of a firearm, which had carried the possibility of the death penalty. Mangione's attorneys, the SDNY, and Manhattan District Attorney's office did not respond to the BBC's request for comment. His attorneys have previously argued he should not be tried in both state and federal court. At the moment, the judges presiding over both cases have allowed the trials to proceed. But if Mangione pleads guilty in his federal case, it could open the door for his attorneys to argue the state case runs afoul of double jeopardy – a constitutional protection that prevents an individual from being prosecuted twice for the same crime. New York's state constitution has its own prohibition on double jeopardy, which, if invoked here, could have a knock-on effect on Mangione's upcoming state trial. "If a federal prosecution has been completed on a matter, the state cannot prosecute the matter on those same facts," said Mitchell Epner, a white-collar attorney. There is still little clarity on what happens to the state case in that scenario. Mark Chutkow, a white-collar defence attorney at the Dkyema law firm, said it is "kind of a live issue". Chutkow the judge in the state trial would have to determine whether the charges overlap enough to trigger New York's double jeopardy statute, while Manhattan prosecutors may argue their case is distinct enough to proceed. Mangione's state trial is scheduled to begin on 8 September, while the federal trial is listed for January 2027. Watch our pick of standout clips from across the BBC Nigel Farage returns as MP, winning Clacton by-election that major parties boycotted Farage's by-election victory won't stop questions about finances Firefighters tackle blazes in West Midlands for second day as crews say 'progress being made' 'Survival has become the priority': Afghan women speak to BBC after five years of Taliban rule Wildlife suffering in heatwaves, say experts I got an £89 refund – how to cancel and avoid unwanted subscriptions Weekly quiz: What was used to smuggle Donald Trump off Air Force One? You got hold of eclipse glasses just in time - here's what to do with them now Couple tie the knot on 'magical' solar eclipse day The Papers: 'Houses burn and train derails on hottest day' and 'Britain on fire' Why heatwaves hit women harder Future Earth newsletter: Keep up with the latest climate news with Justin Rowlatt Philomena Cunk examines life and existence Listen back to Salonen orchestras playing 20th-century classics In 1940s Australia, a young orphan is brought to a remote orphanage How a murder case has been fuelling a culture war Engine parts smashed Ryanair window that man's head was sucked out of, report says NHS service admits data breach due to pager use 'Houses burn and train derails on hottest day' and 'Britain on fire' Farage's by-election victory won't stop questions about finances New Zealand break with OFC to withdraw Infantino support You got hold of eclipse glasses just in time - here's what to do with them now 'She was just Gaynor from up the road' - villagers ready for emotional Bonnie Tyler goodbye 'Two out of four, baby' - Hunt wins 200m as she eyes historic quadruple I got an £89 refund – how to cancel and avoid unwanted subscriptions Son of 102-year-old says father died after being 'pushed off stage' Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.Read about our approach to external linking.