The murder case of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Brian Thompson, continued to unravel in eerie and out-of-the-box details that keep the country and police department at large guessing. Below, a rundown of what ensued in this mysterious incident keeping the nation appalled would be given.
Brian Thompson, 50, was a giant in the world of healthcare and the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare’s insurance division since 2021. He was shot in a targeted attack on the morning of December 6. The shooting occurred at 6:45 a.m. near Sixth Avenue in Manhattan, just hours before UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference.
Police say the attack was calculated: a masked gunman lay in wait, shooting Thompson in the back and leg. Despite immediate medical attention, Thompson died from his injuries.
A major break in the case came when a backpack believed to have belonged to the suspect was found near a playground in Central Park, but the bag’s contents only seemed to add to the mystery.
Inside, investigators found a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and stacks of Monopoly money. Former homicide detective Ted Williams theorized the Monopoly money could represent some sort of twisted “cat and mouse game” with authorities or even be a cryptic commentary on the insurance industry, given the shooter’s apparent focus on Thompson.
Adding to the intrigue, there were bullet casings recovered from the crime scene with words like “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.” These terms are associated with some insurance practices. These messages have led investigators to consider the possibility that the motive might be tied to grievances against the insurance industry, or Thompson’s role within it.
The suspect fled the scene on an electric bike, then ditched it to hail a taxi that took him to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Security footage captured him entering the terminal, but there’s no video of him leaving. Authorities believe he may have gotten on an interstate bus, prompting the NYPD and FBI to extend their manhunt across state lines.
Evidence in the investigation piles up with DNA samples, fingerprints, and security footage that follow the suspect’s movements. The divers went into Central Park ponds searching for the firearm but didn’t find it.
The NYPD had offered a $10,000 reward for the capture of the man, while so far, the FBI is adding $50,000 to the total reward money-$60,000-to stimulate tips leading to his arrest.
The death of Thompson sent shockwaves through the health care industry, with friends, colleagues, and those in industry leadership mourning the loss of a husband and father of two who has been called an exceptional leader by UnitedHealthcare, serving millions of Americans.
Both New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch spoke of their resolve to get to the bottom of it. “The net is tightening,” said Mayor Adams in comments filled with optimism for the investigation.
