Authorities plan to analyze DNA and fingerprints on a bottle and protein bar wrapper discovered near the location where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was tragically shot in New York City earlier this week. The investigation into the fatal shooting has now entered its third day.
Investigators suspect the gunman purchased these items at a nearby Starbucks shortly before Thompson was killed. The incident occurred just before 7 a.m. on Wednesday outside the New York Hilton Midtown, where Thompson was scheduled to address an annual investor meeting, according to The Associated Press.
Authorities suspect killer purchased items moments before UnitedHealthcare CEO’s fatal shootingThompson sustained gunshot wounds to his back and right calf, as confirmed by NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. He was pronounced dead approximately 30 minutes after the attack. While the motive remains unclear, the police have labeled the shooting as “targeted.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that evidence points to a deliberate and premeditated act. She explained during a briefing that the suspect waited several minutes, ignoring other passersby, before approaching Thompson from behind and firing multiple shots.
Additional details about the case emerged on Thursday while the suspect remained at large. These include unmasked photos of the gunman, records related to the weapon’s purchase, and reports of “swatting” incidents at homes associated with Thompson.
A senior law enforcement official informed NBC News that shell casings found at the scene were inscribed with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.” ABC News initially reported this discovery.
The New York Post noted a connection between these phrases and the title of a 2010 book, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It.