Justice Department prosecutors and defense lawyers for Luigi Mangione have requested a court conference for Friday. This move has led to speculation about a potential plea deal. Mangione, accused of murder, faces a federal trial soon after scheduled state charges.

The request to the judge did not reveal the conference’s purpose. Neither party commented after ABC reported the conference might address a plea agreement.

The parties write jointly to request a conference with the Court. Based on communications with Chambers, we understand that the Court is available to hold the conference on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Mangione is accused of stalking and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. Thompson was shot outside a New York City hotel. Jury selection for the state case will begin on September 8, with the federal trial expected in early 2027.

In July, New York prosecutors responded to reports of a potential plea deal. Assistant DA Joel Seidemann suggested that a federal plea might undermine the state case. He stated that the victim’s family opposed such a resolution.

Judge Gregory Carro has ordered juror identities and addresses to be protected after threats and harassment occurred. People claiming to support the defendant have made provocative statements outside the court.

Prosecutors requested this protection, while the defense seeks to have the trial livestreamed, though experts consider this unlikely under current New York law.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty. He faces up to 25 years to life for state charges if convicted and life without parole for federal charges.