UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s assassin allegedly ‘left a message’ on the bullets that were used in his murder.
The masked gunman shot the 50-year-old multiple times around 6.46am before running from the scene.
The suspect shot down the CEO outside a Midtown hotel on Wednesday morning and according to police sources, left a message on the bullets used.
The NYPD have shared that the message included the words “deny,” “depose” and “defend” which were carved into the bullets.
The “message” appears to be similar to a 2010 book critcizing the insurance business that the victim was one of the biggest leaders of; “Delay, Deny, Defend” – “Why insurance companies don’t pay claims and what you can do about it.”
Police are now looking into ties to the book as well as a more general link to the insurance industry, as a motive for the murder.
The authorities had recovered three live rounds and three discharged casings outside the Hilton hotel on Sixth Avenue.
The 50-year-old was scheduled to host an investors’ conference on the morning he was shot.
Sources claimed that the words etched onto the bullets may have been intended as a message for the victim.
The assassin used a silencer and appeared to be an experienced shooter, as reported by The Post.
He was spotted lying in wait for his victim outside the hotel before firing multiple shots at close range to the CEO.
The weapon had jammed but the assassin was able to clear it and continue firing. After his victim stumbled and collapsed, the masked man ran into an alley and rode an e-bike into central park, where CCTV is less clear.
Authorities have shared that the suspect made the mistake of purchasing a coffee, a water bottle and two power bars at a Starbucks before the crime took place.
He threw his water bottle and coffee cup in a nearby trash can – which police now have as evidence.
A phone was also found near the scene which authorities have acquired a search warrant to look through.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said: “Based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted,” “But at this point, we do not know why. This does not appear to be a random act of violence.”
A manhunt is now underway and a $10k reward has been posted for any information about the suspect.
