Mangione Set to Plead Guilty in Federal Case Over UnitedHealthcare CEO's Death

Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty in the federal case involving the death of UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) CEO Brian Thompson. The Associated Press reported Thursday that Mangione, 28, will appear in Manhattan federal court on Friday for a hastily scheduled hearing. According to sources familiar with the matter, Mangione's lawyers could ask the state court to dismiss the charges if the federal case is resolved first.

Mangione faces two counts of stalking in the federal case, although it was not immediately clear which charge or charges he may plead guilty to. The killing occurred on December 4, 2024, outside a Manhattan hotel where Thompson was heading to UnitedHealth Group's annual investor conference. Evidence collected from Mangione's backpack included a 3D-printed pistol that investigators said matched the weapon used in the killing and a notebook that authorities say described his intent to kill an insurance executive.

The federal guilty plea could affect the state prosecution under New York's double jeopardy protections, although it is not automatic. In January, a federal judge took the death penalty off the table but ruled that prosecutors could use items collected from Mangione's backpack as evidence. UnitedHealth shares were down 0.16% at $398.65 in premarket trading Friday.