Luigi Mangione's plea talks revealed in unsealed court transcripts

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges on August 14, 2026, for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with newly unsealed court transcripts revealing plea discussions began weeks earlier. The transcripts show Mangione's attorneys requested sealed hearings in June and August to negotiate the plea privately, citing concerns about public signaling and the need to prepare families. Judge Margaret Garnett agreed to seal proceedings to protect the process and avoid prejudicing jury selection in his state murder case. Mangione, 28, admitted to shooting Thompson at a Manhattan hotel in December 2024. He faces sentencing on December 18, while his state trial is paused pending a double jeopardy motion, with a court appearance scheduled for December 10.