NYPD Detectives Head to Atlanta to Follow Leads in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder
A day after NYPD officials said the gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson likely fled New York City by bus, NBC New York learned detectives have been sent to Atlanta, Georgia to follow possible leads to find the killer.
Investigation Update
Two officials familiar with the investigation said NYPD detectives would be working with local Atlanta authorities in their pursuit of Thompson’s killer. Atlanta police officials confirmed that its department would be providing assistance to the New York City investigators.
No one elaborated further on what potential leads prompted the detectives to travel down to Georgia.
Previous Investigation Findings
On Thursday, senior law enforcement officials told NBC New York that investigators were working on the belief that the suspect in the shooting that killed Brian Thompson arrived in New York City on a Greyhound bus from Atlanta on Sunday, November 24, around 9 p.m.
Investigators believe the suspect used a fake identification card and paid cash, Kenny said, when he checked in at the hostel, which has a café along with shared and private rooms and is blocks from Columbia University.
FBI Offers Reward
The FBI announced late Friday that it was offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man responsible for the shooting. The NYPD had previously offered $10,000.
Public Assistance Requested
The FBI’s New York Field Office is working with the New York City Police Department to seek the public’s assistance in identifying the unknown suspect responsible. Information may be reported to the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the New York City Police Department’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Manhunt Continues
The manhunt for a gunman who executed the CEO of UnitedHealthcare on a midtown Manhattan street this week stretched into a fourth day Saturday, with investigators zeroing in on the suspect’s movements before and after the shooting that rocked the country.
Video Evidence
Video of the gunman fleeing Wednesday’s shooting showed him riding a bicycle into Central Park and later taking a taxi to a bus terminal that offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C, according to Kenny.
Backpack Found
Investigators on Friday found a backpack in the park that had been worn by the gunman during the shooting, police said, following a massive sweep to find it in a vast area with lakes and ponds, meadows, playgrounds, and woods.
Analysis and Investigation
Police conducted a grid search of the area in the park, along with a drone search, senior officials told NBC New York. The bag was then located through a later search by CRC officers. The unopened bag was transported to a lab, where the exterior will be searched for fingerprints or DNA, and then it will be opened to see what may be inside, officials said.
Additional Clues
Investigators have tested a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper in a hunt for his DNA. They also were trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone found along the gunman’s escape route.
Conclusion
The investigation into the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson continues, with detectives working to follow leads and identify the suspect responsible for the shooting. The public is urged to come forward with any information that may aid in the investigation.
FAQs
Q: Who is the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson?
A: The suspect is still unknown and has not been identified.
Q: What is the motive behind the murder?
A: The motive behind the murder is still unknown and is being investigated.
Q: How can I help the investigation?
A: Anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect is encouraged to contact the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the New York City Police Department’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Q: What is the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect?
A: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. The NYPD had previously offered $10,000.
