(LibertySociety.com) –The search for the suspected gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson continues as newly released surveillance images offer a clearer look at the assailant. Thompson was fatally shot in broad daylight on a Manhattan sidewalk last Wednesday, and cryptic messages left at the scene may provide insight into the killer’s motives.
The NYPD unveiled two surveillance images of the suspect, giving investigators their first detailed look at his face. The photos show a man smiling, dressed in a black hooded jacket, and standing on a black-and-white checkered floor. Authorities are using advanced facial recognition technology to identify the individual. According to Fox News crime analyst Paul Mauro, these images could prove pivotal in solving the case. “With these photos, it’s now only a matter of time,” Mauro said.
Investigators are focusing their efforts across Manhattan, including a hostel on the Upper West Side, where a Brazilian tourist reported that the suspect was staying in the room next to him. However, Hostelling International USA has declined to confirm these claims.
Adding to the mystery, police discovered messages etched onto the ammunition used in the attack. The words “deny,” “depose,” and “defend” were inscribed on live rounds and casings found at the scene. Experts believe these terms could allude to strategies employed by insurance companies to avoid paying claims, potentially hinting at the gunman’s motive.
Footage from the incident shows Thompson walking along the sidewalk when a masked man approached him from behind and opened fire. After Thompson attempted to flee, the assailant pursued him. The suspect fled the scene on a bicycle, disappearing into Central Park. Evidence recovered near the site includes a cellphone found in an alley and a cup from a nearby Starbucks, which are being analyzed for DNA or fingerprints.
The NYPD has called for public assistance in locating the suspect as they continue to piece together the evidence. In a separate twist, CNN reports that investigators found Monopoly money inside a backpack believed to belong to the gunman.
UnitedHealth Group has expressed its grief over Thompson’s death. In a statement, the company called him a “highly respected colleague and friend,” extending condolences to his family and loved ones.
As this high-profile investigation unfolds, the chilling nature of the crime and its unresolved questions have captivated national attention. The NYPD remains committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice, as the hunt intensifies across New York City.
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