Luigi Mangione talks to federal prosecutors about possible plea deal, sources say

(CNN, KYMA) - Sources say Luigi Mangione is talking to federal prosecutors about a possible plea deal.

News of the talks emerged after a hearing was hastily scheduled to take place before a federal judge Friday.

The federal charges against Mangione, 28, are related to stalking UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who he is also accused of killing.

Though much less severe than the murder charges Mangione is facing in state court, the federal charges could still bring a life prison sentence.

Neither side has confirmed the negotiations.

Last time news of a potential plea deal broke in June, Mangione's lawyer dismissed it as a an effort to manipulate public opinion.

As of now, Mangione's state trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on September 8. The federal trial is slated to start in January.

Mangione previously pleaded not guilty in both cases.