Luigi Mangione expected to plead guilty in federal court: Report

Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty in federal court in the case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing, according to a report by "The New York Times." 

What we know:

The Times reported the news Thursday, a day before Mangione is scheduled to make an appearance in Manhattan federal court. 

The last-minute hearing fueled speculation about a possible deal with federal prosecutors to avoid a trial, which was due to start in January. 

It was scheduled at the request of both prosecutors and Mangione's defense team. 

What we don't know:

The Times' report did not specify which charges Mangione would plead guilty to. 

It was also not immediately clear how a guilty plea in federal court would impact Mangione's New York state trial. 

FOX 5 New York has yet to independently verify the NY Times report.

RELATED: Luigi Mangione expected to plead guilty on federal charges: What it could mean for his state case

What's next:

Mangione's state trial for the 2024 murder of Thompson is currently scheduled to begin in weeks. 

A judge on Tuesday set Sept. 8 for the start of jury selection. 

However, defense attorneys could be pursuing a double-jeopardy argument in federal court, which may result in a plea deal that gets state charges thrown out. 

The backstory:

Mangione is accused of stalking and gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on Dec. 4, 2024. 

Authorities said shell casings found on the scene were etched with the words "delay," "deny" and "depose" – apparently reflecting criticism of the health care industry. 

Mangione was arrested five days after the shooting at a McDonald's in Altoone, Pennsylvania, more than 200 miles west of New York City. 

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