NYPD detectives arrived in Atlanta on Saturday following numerous suggestions linked to the as-yet unidentified suspect needed within the Wednesday taking pictures of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, sources advised ABC Information.
The Atlanta Police Division confirmed the arrival of the New York staff however declined to present extra specifics.
The suspect allegedly arrived in New York on Nov. 24 on a Greyhound bus that departed from Atlanta, although it’s unclear precisely when he might have boarded. Sources advised ABC Information he was noticed on board in Washington, D.C.
The masked gunman shot Thompson at point-blank vary at 6:44 a.m. on Dec. 4 exterior the New York Hilton Midtown, the place Thompson’s firm was holding an traders convention. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the assault as “brazen” and “focused.”
Police have realized that the suspect took a taxi to the Port Authority bus facility at 178th Road and boarded a bus out of New York Metropolis following the taking pictures, in keeping with police.
An undated NYPD handout picture obtained by Reuters on Dec. 5, 2024, exhibits a person needed for questioning in reference to the killing of UnitedHeatlhcare CEO Brian Thompson, in an unknown location.
Nypd/through Reuters
The NYPD believes it’s making good progress towards figuring out the shooter however has to date not performed so, sources advised ABC Information. Late Saturday, the NYPD launched new pictures of the suspected shooter in what gave the impression to be the again of a cab. No additional context was given.
The suspect is believed to have boarded a bus out of the town that made six or seven stops, police sources stated. Investigators have adopted leads in a number of states, the sources stated.
The FBI is helping the nationwide manhunt, in keeping with legislation enforcement sources.
The New York Metropolis Police Division is asking for the general public’s assist to establish this individual needed for questioning within the Midtown Manhattan homicide of a CEO on Dec. 4, 2024.
NYPD
Investigators are persevering with to comb New York Metropolis — the place the suspect is believed to have spent 10 days earlier than the taking pictures — for proof.
The NYPD recovered a backpack that allegedly belonged to the suspect on Friday evening. The bag had solely two gadgets inside — a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and Monopoly cash — sources with information of the continuing investigation advised ABC Information Saturday.
On Saturday, officers searched a pond close to Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Police divers had been concerned within the hunt for proof. It’s unclear if officers recovered something from the water.
Investigators consider they secured DNA samples from a number of items of proof found at or close to the crime scene, legislation enforcement sources advised ABC Information.
Thompson, the CEO of main insurance coverage group UnitedHealthcare, was shot to dying at point-blank vary in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4, 2024.
ABC Information
The DNA samples are at present on the NYC Workplace of the Chief Medical Examiner to be run by means of databases for a doable match — a course of that would take a number of days, the sources stated.
Police had been additionally in a position to extract a fingerprint off a water bottle the suspect purchased at a Starbucks. The print is smudged, so it’s unclear whether or not will probably be useful to the investigation, sources stated.
Police haven’t but recovered the distinctive gun used within the taking pictures.
NYPD officers search Central Park for proof within the CEO taking pictures, Dec. 6, 2024, in New York.
WABC
“The shooter then walks towards the sufferer and continues to shoot,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated. “It seems that the gun malfunctions, as he clears the jam and begins to fireside once more.”
Written on the shell casings had been the phrases “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” in keeping with police sources.
The phrases on the bullets echo the title of the 2010 e-book “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance coverage Firms Do not Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It.” Police are conscious of the similarity, and are investigating whether or not one doable motive is anger on the insurance coverage trade, sources stated.
Centene, a serious well being insurer, stated it will maintain a deliberate in-person investor day in New York Metropolis subsequent week just about, in keeping with a Friday assertion citing Thompson’s killing.
A backpack recovered by police in Central Park throughout the investigation into the deadly taking pictures of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Dec. 6, 2024.
Obtained by ABC Information
“All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompson’s dying and wish to specific our help for all of these affected,” Centene Chief Govt Officer, Sarah M. London stated.
“He was an individual with a deep sense of empathy and clear ardour for enhancing entry to care,” London added. “Our hearts are along with his household and his colleagues throughout this troublesome time.”
