Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty as early as Friday in the federal case accusing him of stalking and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The source, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, cautioned that Mangione could still change his decision. His lawyers and federal prosecutors have declined to comment.

Mangione Due In Federal Court

Mangione, 28, is scheduled to appear in Manhattan federal court for a hearing that was arranged on short notice. The federal case includes two stalking charges, although it remains unclear which charge or charges he may admit to.

The hearing comes after negotiations between Mangione’s defence team and federal prosecutors over a possible resolution. Earlier discussions in June reportedly broke down.

Mangione is accused of travelling to New York City and ambushing Thompson, 50, outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024. Thompson was walking to UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference when he was shot.

State Murder Case Still Pending

Mangione faces separate federal and state cases in New York. His state murder trial is currently scheduled to begin on September 8.

A guilty plea in the federal case could have significant implications for the state prosecution. Under New York’s double-jeopardy protections, a state case may be barred if an earlier federal prosecution ends with a guilty plea, although the issue is not automatic and prosecutors argue that the two cases involve different charges.

State prosecutors have opposed any federal resolution that could potentially undermine their murder case.

Defence Has Faced Setbacks

Mangione’s expected plea comes after several setbacks for his defence. A federal judge previously removed the possibility of the death penalty but allowed prosecutors to use evidence recovered from his backpack, including a 3D-printed pistol and a notebook.

His lawyers also briefly considered pursuing a psychiatric defence in the state case before abandoning the strategy.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges and previously objected to facing separate trials over Thompson’s death.

Case Drew Widespread Attention

The killing sparked intense debate over the US health insurance industry, with Mangione becoming a polarising figure among critics of private healthcare.

An online fundraiser for his legal defence raised more than $1.5 million, while supporters have attended his court hearings wearing “FREE LUIGI” shirts.

The federal plea, if it goes ahead, could mark a major turning point in a case that has drawn national attention while leaving Mangione’s state murder charges unresolved.