A photo of a hooded man smiling with his mask lowered has become a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The image, released by the NYPD, shows the man described as a “person of interest” in the brazen daylight killing outside the Hilton Midtown in Manhattan on Wednesday morning.
Flirtatious Encounter Yields Key Evidence
The photo was captured during an interaction at a hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, where the suspect had been staying. A female employee asked the man to lower his face mask, prompting him to reveal his face and smile, according to law enforcement sources.
“That moment of flirtation actually provided the most significant clue so far,” said CNN Law Enforcement Analyst John Miller.
The Suspect’s Trail
The suspect fled the scene of the shooting on an e-bike after gunning down Thompson, 50, who was on his way to an investor conference. Investigators have pieced together his movements before and after the crime:
- Arrival in NYC: The man reportedly traveled to New York via a Greyhound bus that began its route in Atlanta. He arrived at Port Authority on November 24, ten days before the shooting, and checked into a hostel using a fake New Jersey ID.
- Hostel Stay: The suspect paid in cash and wore a mask throughout most of his stay. He checked out on November 29 but returned the next day, raising suspicions.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect leaving the 57th Street F train station at 6:15 a.m. on the day of the murder, before heading to the Hilton Midtown.
Clues from the Crime Scene
Key evidence recovered includes:
- Burner Phone and Water Bottle: The suspect dropped these items while fleeing. A fingerprint was lifted from the water bottle, though it was smudged. The phone is being analyzed for DNA and digital data.
- Ammunition Markings: Shell casings and a live round found at the scene bore the words “depose” and “delay.” Investigators are exploring whether this connects to the insurance industry’s phrase, “delay, deny, defend,” potentially pointing to a motive.
- Gray Backpack: The suspect was seen wearing a gray backpack during the shooting but was later spotted without it. Despite extensive searches, the backpack has not been found.
The Challenge of Finding a Needle in NYC’s Haystack
The suspect’s ability to vanish in a densely populated city has complicated the NYPD’s search. Investigators believe he may have changed clothes after fleeing through Central Park. A grid search of the area, including dumpsters and bushes, has so far yielded no further leads.
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to unlock the burner phone and identify the suspect using the photo and other evidence. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture.
The fatal shooting of Brian Thompson, who was set to announce UnitedHealthcare’s projected revenue of $450 billion for 2025, has left the business world in shock and raised questions about the motive behind the cold-blooded killing.
