Surprise federal hearing sparks plea-deal speculation in Mangione case

An unexpected 11 a.m. federal hearing in Luigi Mangione’s Manhattan case has sparked speculation he may take a plea on two federal stalking-for-death charges, while he also faces state murder charges for the 2024 killing of Brian Thompson; past plea talks were reported, and a federal plea could affect the state case under New York law, though prosecutors say the state has primary jurisdiction; Mangione has pleaded not guilty in both prosecutions and the state trial is set for Sept. 8.