Nearly a week on the run: How mystery CEO shooter evaded capture during massive fugitive hunt

The hunt is on for a man who brazenly gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a bustling New York City street nearly a week ago. Despite a wealth of clues—including images of his unmasked face, personal belongings, and surveillance footage—authorities are still in the dark about his identity and whereabouts.

The suspect, who was caught on camera pointing his weapon at Thompson’s back outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4, has managed to evade capture despite an all-out manhunt involving hundreds of investigators. Clues suggest he fled the city on an interstate bus, but his trail has since gone cold.

Clues Paint a Picture, but Mystery Deepens

Former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole is confident that the suspect’s identity will soon be uncovered. “We’re likely just days away from identifying him,” she told CNN, noting the extensive manpower behind the investigation.

However, the fugitive has already left a string of mistakes in his wake. Surveillance footage shows him pulling his mask down on camera, and items left behind—including inscribed shell casings, a burner phone, and a partial fingerprint on a water bottle—have provided investigators with significant leads.

Police have also tracked his movements before and after the crime. He was seen boarding a Greyhound bus to New York City and entering the George Washington Bus Terminal, though no footage shows him leaving.

Pressure Mounts as Mistakes Pile Up

Experts believe the psychological toll of being on the run could lead the suspect to make critical errors. “The pressure is overwhelming,” O’Toole said. “His ability to think strategically is deteriorating with every passing day.”

The suspect’s actions, such as stopping for snacks at Starbucks shortly before the crime, suggest a lack of discipline, according to Peter Young, a former fugitive. “Unnecessary risks like these make it harder to stay hidden,” Young noted.

Reward and New Evidence Spur Search Efforts

The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest, with an additional $10,000 pledged by the NYPD. Authorities are also exploring a possible motive tied to the insurance industry, as the shooter left shell casings with cryptic messages like “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” etched onto them—phrases resembling critiques of insurance practices.

A backpack believed to belong to the suspect, found in Central Park, contained a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and Monopoly money but no weapon. Divers searched nearby waters to no avail. Investigators are still hunting for the electric bike he used to flee the scene.

Race Against Time

As authorities zero in on the fugitive’s identity, they’re examining his habits and patterns to predict his next move. O’Toole believes the shooter’s inability to fully break his routine will eventually lead to his capture.

“You can’t escape your habits forever,” she said. “Eventually, you slip back into your old ways, whether it’s visiting a favorite coffee shop or heading to the gym.”

The clock is ticking, and the net is tightening. How long the suspect can evade justice remains to be seen.