The search for the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is ongoing, now entering its fourth day.
Sources close to the investigation revealed to ABC News on Saturday that a backpack, believed to belong to the suspect in the Brian Thompson shooting, was recovered by the NYPD. Inside, investigators found only a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and, strikingly, Monopoly money. This peculiar detail has added a layer of intrigue to the already complex case as the manhunt intensifies.
The NYPD expressed confidence in their progress toward identifying the suspect. However, as of Saturday evening, the individual’s identity remained unknown to law enforcement.
For the fourth consecutive day, investigators meticulously scoured the city for evidence and clues to apprehend the still-at-large fugitive. This extensive search included the deployment of police divers to explore waterways for any discarded evidence.
NYPD officers search a pond in Central Park for evidence related to the Brian Thompson shooting.
Officers focused their search on a pond near Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, situated not far from where the suspect’s backpack containing the Monopoly money was discovered the previous night. The presence of Monopoly money in the suspect’s possession has become a central talking point in the investigation, prompting speculation about its significance. Was it a symbolic gesture, a distraction, or simply a bizarre coincidence? The investigation is exploring all possibilities as they work to understand the meaning behind this unusual find.
In a bid to solicit public assistance, the NYPD released a new image late Saturday evening. The image captured the suspected shooter seemingly in the back of a taxi. No further details accompanied the release, but it serves as another tool in their effort to identify and apprehend the individual.
Image released by NYPD of the suspect wanted for questioning in the CEO murder case in Midtown Manhattan.
Authorities are still searching for the distinctive firearm used in the shooting. It remains unclear whether the water search yielded any crucial evidence related to the weapon or other aspects of the crime.
Continued Manhunt Extends Beyond New York
Investigators from New York, along with the FBI, are broadening their search nationwide, actively tracking the shooter’s movements following the Wednesday morning shooting. Initial findings suggest the suspect departed New York City on the same day as the incident.
Following up on leads, some New York investigators traveled to Atlanta on Saturday. The Atlanta Police Department confirmed the arrival of the New York team but refrained from disclosing specific details regarding their collaborative efforts.
Evidence indicates the suspect arrived in New York City via a Greyhound bus originating from Atlanta. Police have determined that following the shooting, the suspect took a taxi to the Port Authority bus facility at 178th Street and boarded a bus leaving New York City. The bus route taken by the suspect after leaving the city involved multiple stops, approximately six or seven, leading investigators to pursue leads across several states.
NYPD officers searching the pond in Central Park as part of the investigation into the CEO shooting, focusing on recovering potential evidence like the murder weapon.
Further investigation revealed the suspect’s initial arrival in New York City on November 24th. Surveillance footage from the Port Authority Bus Terminal captured his arrival at 9 p.m. The bus he arrived on also originated from Atlanta, although the specific boarding location for the suspect remains under investigation. Sources indicate he was observed on the bus in Washington, D.C.
The ten-day period the suspect spent in New York City prior to the shooting is now a critical focus of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are trying to piece together his activities and contacts during this time to understand the planning and motivation behind the CEO’s murder.
Map outlining the location of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan.
The FBI is now actively assisting in the nationwide manhunt for the suspect. The unidentified individual remains at large following Wednesday’s attack, which police have characterized as “brazen, targeted,” and “premeditated.” Despite intensive efforts, the suspect’s identity remains unknown to law enforcement.
Industry Impact and Potential Motives
In the wake of Thompson’s killing, Centene, another major health insurer, announced the decision to shift its upcoming in-person investor day in New York City to a virtual format. Centene cited the recent tragic event as the reason for the change, expressing condolences and concern for the industry.
“All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompson’s death and want to express our support for all of those affected. Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers,” stated Centene Chief Executive Officer Sarah M. London. “He was a person with a deep sense of empathy and clear passion for improving access to care. Our hearts are with his family and his colleagues during this difficult time.”
NYPD is seeking public help to identify the person wanted for questioning in the murder of the CEO in Midtown Manhattan.
The suspect, masked at the time, shot Thompson at close range at 6:44 a.m. Wednesday morning outside the New York Hilton Midtown. Thompson was en route to his company’s investors conference when the attack occurred.
Shell Casings and Potential Insurance Industry Link
“The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot,” stated NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, describing the brutal attack. “It appears that the gun malfunctions, as he clears the jam and begins to fire again.”
Adding another layer of peculiarity to the case, police sources revealed that the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” were found written on the shell casings recovered at the scene.
Backpack found in Central Park believed to belong to the suspect in the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shooting investigation.
These words bear a striking resemblance to the title of the 2010 book, “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It.” Investigators are actively exploring the possibility that anger or resentment towards the insurance industry may be a potential motive behind the CEO’s assassination. The inclusion of Monopoly money in the suspect’s backpack further deepens the mystery surrounding the motive. Could the Monopoly money symbolize the suspect’s view of the insurance industry as a game of deception and unfair wealth accumulation? This theory is among many being considered as the investigation progresses.
NYPD officers conducting a search in Central Park as part of the ongoing investigation into the CEO shooting.
Law enforcement sources indicated that DNA samples have been successfully obtained from multiple pieces of evidence collected at and near the crime scene. These samples are currently undergoing analysis at the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to be cross-referenced against databases for potential matches. This process is anticipated to take several days.
Pedestrians outside the George Washington Bridge Bus Station in New York, a location linked to the suspect's movements after the shooting.
Additionally, a fingerprint was recovered from a water bottle purchased by the suspect at a Starbucks. However, the print is reportedly smudged, making its potential usefulness in identifying the suspect uncertain. The investigation remains active and multifaceted as authorities pursue all available leads to bring the perpetrator of this crime to justice and understand the perplexing motive behind it, especially the meaning of the Monopoly money found with the suspect.
