Luigi Mangione faces speculation over a potential guilty plea in the federal case tied to the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

An unexpected hearing was scheduled for Friday morning in Manhattan federal court after prosecutors and defense attorneys filed a joint letter requesting it. Sources familiar with the matter said plea negotiations are ongoing between Mangione's team and federal prosecutors.

Mangione, 28, has pleaded not guilty to federal stalking charges connected to the shooting. His state murder trial in New York is set to begin with jury selection on September 8.

Reports of earlier plea discussions in June fell apart without an agreement. The current talks remain fluid, and it is unclear whether they will produce a resolution.

Thompson was shot outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024. Mangione was arrested days later in Pennsylvania and has been held without bail since his extradition.

The federal case centers on stalking charges, while the state prosecution involves second-degree murder. Mangione no longer faces the death penalty after a federal judge dismissed related charges earlier this year.

Supporters have gathered outside court in recent hearings, and the case continues to draw significant public attention ahead of the state trial.