Photo released of suspect in murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO as details emerge
New details have emerged on the murder of Brian Thompson, 50, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare who was murdered in Manhattan on Wednesday morning by an unidentified assailant. Video of the shooting shows a masked individual shooting Thompson in the back and chest as he walked down the sidewalk. A witness in the video is seen fleeing as the shooter fires at Thomas.
Police said in a press conference yesterday afternoon that they were still looking for the witness. The shooter, a white male, fled the scene on foot and then by bicycle. He was last seen entering Central Park.
This morning, the NYPD released a photo of a “person of interest” in the shooting. In the photo (seen below), the face of a hooded white male dressed in garb similar to that of the murder suspect can be seen.
Police announced an award of up to $10,000 for “information leading to an arrest and conviction.”
Details released to the public have been scant, with the NYPD investigating factors, such as if the shooter took one of many Citi rental bikes dispersed throughout Manhattan and specifically what gun was used to kill Thompson.
However, multiple media outlets, citing a senior investigator on the case, are reporting shell casings recovered at the scene had the the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” written on them. Social media users were quick to point out this is likely a reference to 2010 book by Jay Feinman, titled, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It, ostensibly confirming that the killing was premeditated.
The incident happened at West 53rd Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan. Thompson was likely on his way to the New York Hilton Hotel, where he was expected to attend his company’s annual investor conference.
UnitedHealth Group—the parent company of UnitedHealthcare—released the following statement on Thompson’s murder:
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
This is a developing story and the investigation into the facts is ongoing.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.