Lawyers for accused killer Luigi Mangione had talks with federal prosecutors about a possible plea deal in advance of a scheduled court hearing on Monday, sources familiar with the matter said. An agreement appeared close earlier this week but has since fallen aside, the sources said.

Background

Mangione faces both federal and state charges for allegedly shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The murder took place on December 4, 2024. Mangione has pleaded not guilty.

Legal experts say plea talks are a common occurrence before most trials. NBC legal analyst Danny Cevallos said if any plea deal is reached in the federal case, New York state law may bar a successive state prosecution based on the same conduct.

Mangione defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo gave a statement to NBC New York: “This information attributed to ‘anonymous sources’ is part of a troubling, deliberate pattern by prosecutors and law enforcement to prejudice Luigi, manipulate public opinion, and violate his constitutional right to a fair trial and impartial jury.”

Charges and Trials

Mangione originally faced 11 state charges. Last year, Judge Gregory Carro tossed out two of the more severe counts: first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism and second-degree murder as a crime of terrorism. In May, Carro dismissed a criminal charge related to a gun magazine.

Mangione, 28, had previously pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges in the killing of Thompson. His federal trial, which involved stalking charges, was set to begin on Oct. 13. He could spend his life in prison if convicted in either case.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.