Detectives found a breakthrough in the murder case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as they discovered a shell cashed with the words ‘deny‘, ‘defend‘, and ‘depose‘ inscribed on them.
Police sources told ABC News that casings were found at the scene with cryptic messages left on them. The authorities are trying to understand the cryptic message.
The detectives found several evidence that will help in the manhunt for the killer.
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside the Hilton hotel at 1335 Avenue of the Americas just after 6:45 am (local time) after arriving early for the company’s annual investor conference. A man wearing a mask approached him and fired at him repeatedly, police said as per CBS news.
Multiple videos are circulating on social media showing a gunman aiming at Thomson from a distance and shot twice once in the back and once in the leg.
According to the NYPD, the gunman fled on an e-bike towards Central Park.
Who was the woman in video?
In the video, a person seemingly a woman in dark attire holding a coffee cup is seen while escaping from a doorway whilst the assailant fires shots nearby.
The individual’s identity remains unknown, and authorities have not indicated any connection between them and Thompson. Their reaction suggests they were caught unaware by the incident, initially seeking shelter before running away. Investigators are keen to locate this crucial witness, Daily Mail reported.
What authorities found in phone?
Authorities have obtained a mobile phone from the escape route alley. Whilst undergoing forensic examination, its ownership and contents remain undisclosed.
Where is the bike from which gunman escaped?
Reports indicate the perpetrator escaped on foot to Sixth Avenue, acquired an electric bicycle, and rode towards Central Park via Center Drive before vanishing. Initially, police suggested collaboration with Lyft regarding Citi Bike tracking, but officials later clarified the bicycle was not from their fleet. Questions remain about the bicycle’s procurement method, whether through rental, theft, or private ownership.
Despite extensive search efforts involving drones, canine units, helicopters and ground forces, the perpetrator remains at large. The suspect was last spotted entering Central Park at 6: 48am (local time), potentially changing clothes from items in their large rucksack to avoid detection.