Manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s Killer Intensifies with New Clues

The search for the individual responsible for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has escalated as New York authorities released two new photos of the suspect on Sunday. The FBI has also announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

The newly released images appear to have been captured by a cab camera shortly after the shooting. In one photo, the suspect, wearing a blue medical mask and a hooded jacket, can be seen looking through the cab’s partition. The other image shows the individual on the street. These photos, combined with previously shared images offering a clearer view of the suspect’s face, are part of the evidence authorities hope will lead to his capture.

Authorities believe the suspect boarded the cab after fleeing the scene of the shooting, which occurred early Wednesday morning outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Thompson, 50, was set to deliver a speech at an investment conference before he was shot multiple times from behind at close range around 6:45 a.m.

Key Developments in the Case

Earlier in the investigation, police recovered a backpack believed to belong to the suspect in Central Park. Inside the bag were a jacket and Monopoly game money, adding to the mystery surrounding the case. Divers were deployed to search a pond in the park, but the murder weapon has yet to be found.

Surveillance footage has been instrumental in tracking the suspect’s movements. After the attack, the assailant was seen fleeing on foot before riding an electric bike into Central Park. By 7 a.m., he was spotted entering a cab on the Upper West Side and later seen at an uptown bus station approximately 45 minutes later.

Authorities say the suspect arrived in New York City on November 24 via a bus from Atlanta. However, details about his journey remain unclear.

Unusual Clues and Public Response

Investigators are also examining cryptic messages found on the bullet casings at the crime scene. The words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” were inscribed on them—phrases some believe reference the tactics insurance companies allegedly use to avoid paying claims.

This theory has sparked public interest, with some linking the inscriptions to the title of a 2010 book by Jay Feinman, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. Feinman’s book accuses insurers of prioritizing profits over policyholders by denying or delaying justified claims.

The incident has also inspired a wave of merchandise, with slogans like “Deny, Defend, Depose” appearing on shirts and other items. Many of these products include the word “UnitedHealthcare,” fueling debate and speculation about a possible motive behind the attack.

Public Appeal

The NYPD and FBI are urging anyone with information to come forward. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated that investigators believe the suspect has left the city, and efforts are ongoing to track him down.

As the manhunt continues, the nation watches closely for updates in this high-profile case. For more information and updates, visit USA Today or follow Horus Globe Media for the latest coverage.

Adapted from reporting by USA Today.