Luigi Mangione, accused of killing a health insurance executive in Manhattan, is reportedly poised to admit guilt in a federal stalking charge, as per a report by the New York Times on Thursday.
A guilty plea could sidestep a widely followed trial concerning the death of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson—a shocking incident decried by public authorities but also a reflection of the widespread discontent against health insurance practices in America. This plea may also postpone Mangione’s upcoming trial for state murder charges set for next month.
Neither Mangione’s representatives nor the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office have provided comments on the matter.
Ahead of his federal court appearance on Friday, called for by both his defense team and prosecutors—who have not specified the reason—a guilty plea remains uncertain as Mangione retains the option to alter his decision even during the hearing. The New York Times mentioned the lack of clarity on the specific charges Mangione might accept responsibility for, noting the ongoing nature of negotiation talks could lead to fluctuations in the deal’s details.
Back in April 2025, Mangione professed his innocence to murder, weapons, and stalking charges imposed by federal authorities in Manhattan.
US District Judge Margaret Garnett threw out the murder and weapons charges over legal technicalities in a surprise ruling in January. The decision eliminated the possibility that Mangione would face the death penalty, though he still faces a possible sentence of life without parole if convicted on the remaining stalking charges.
His federal trial was most recently set for January.
Mangione separately pleaded not guilty in December 2024 to state terrorism, murder, weapons and forgery charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The terrorism charges were thrown out by a judge in September 2025.
A trial in that case is scheduled for September 8 before Justice Gregory Carro in Manhattan.
If he pleads guilty in the federal case, Mangione is likely to seek dismissal of the murder charge under New York’s double jeopardy law, which protects people from being prosecuted twice for the same conduct. Bragg’s office would oppose the move, arguing that the murder charge is legally distinct from the federal charges. Whoever loses would likely seek an emergency appeal.
Thompson led UnitedHealth Group’s UNH.N insurance unit before he was shot dead 4 December 2024, outside a hotel where an investor conference was taking place.
Graphic footage of the killing and a five-day manhunt for a suspect made the case a media fixture and social media sensation. Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania.