Detectives uncovered three words etched on the bullet casings found at the crime scene, according to police sources cited by ABC News.
The words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” were reportedly inscribed on shell casings collected from the scene where UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot. This discovery was confirmed by detectives investigating the case.
This disturbing detail came to light while the suspected shooter remained at large. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident during a press conference as a “brazen, targeted attack,” underlining its calculated nature.
Thompson, aged 50, was attacked just before 6:45 a.m. on Dec. 4 outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel.
According to Tisch, the masked gunman had been waiting for Thompson outside the building, showing clear premeditation.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described the shooter as “proficient” in handling firearms, emphasizing the precision and intent behind the fatal shots fired at the healthcare executive.
Investigators are now assessing whether the chilling words on the bullet casings serve as a message or clue to the shooter’s motive. Detectives have not ruled out any possibilities at this stage.
Thompson had traveled to New York City to attend an investors’ conference held at the New York Hilton Midtown. His presence there had been publicly announced before the event.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the suspect remained unidentified and at large.
Police described him as a light-skinned male wearing a brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, and black-and-white sneakers. A distinct gray backpack was another key detail provided.
To expedite the investigation, authorities announced a $10,000 reward for tips leading to the suspect’s capture. They hope this incentive will encourage public assistance in solving the high-profile case.
The NYPD posted three photos of the partially masked suspect on X (formerly Twitter). They urged anyone with relevant information to contact their tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Although the photos’ locations were not disclosed, a law enforcement source told the New York Times that the suspect had visited a nearby Starbucks just two blocks from the shooting site.
After firing three shots, the gunman fled toward Central Park on an electric Citi Bike.
He struck Thompson in the back and leg before escaping, police reported. Thompson later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Paulette Thompson, the victim’s wife, told NBC News her husband had received threats before his trip to New York. She did not elaborate on the nature of these threats or their possible connection to the shooting.
Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and was appointed CEO in 2021. He lived in Minnesota with his wife and two children, maintaining a reputation as a dedicated family man and respected professional.
In a heartfelt statement, UnitedHealth Group expressed its grief over Thompson’s death. “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of our highly respected colleague,” the company wrote, reflecting the somber mood within the organization.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the case intensively. Detectives aim to uncover the motive behind the attack while pursuing all leads to apprehend the suspect.
The use of cryptic words on bullet casings has raised questions about whether this crime was a personal vendetta or had broader implications.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about this potential angle.
This tragedy highlights the vulnerability even of prominent figures in seemingly secure environments. The shocking nature of the crime has drawn widespread attention and demands for justice.
As police work tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice, Thompson’s family and colleagues mourn his loss, hoping for answers and closure during this harrowing time.