New York Starbucks image may hold key to finding healthcare CEO's killer

In a shocking incident in New York City, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically shot and killed outside a Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4th. The police are actively investigating this case and are utilizing advanced facial recognition technology along with a discarded mobile phone to track down the individual responsible for this heinous act. Brian Thompson, who was 50 years old, was shot in the back while walking to the hotel, and the police believe that he was specifically targeted in a premeditated attack. The shooter fled the scene without taking any of Thompson's belongings, which has led investigators to suspect that this was not a robbery gone wrong. They are currently focusing on a surveillance image captured at a nearby Starbucks just moments before the shooting occurred. This image may hold vital clues in identifying the suspect. The shooting took place around 6:45 AM in a bustling area of Manhattan, close to iconic locations such as Times Square and Central Park. Brian was scheduled to speak at an investor conference later that day, making the timing of the attack particularly alarming. According to police reports, the suspect, who was wearing a black face mask and a light brown or cream-colored jacket, appeared to be waiting outside the Hilton for approximately five minutes before Thompson arrived. As Thompson approached the hotel on foot, he was shot in the back and leg, and unfortunately, he was pronounced dead about thirty minutes later at a local hospital. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that the suspect's weapon seemed to malfunction during the attack, but the shooter managed to quickly fix it and continue firing. CCTV footage indicates that the gunman had attached a suppressor, commonly known as a silencer, to his firearm, which may have contributed to the chaos of the situation. Initially, officials believed that the suspect had used an electric Citi Bike owned by Lyft to escape, but Lyft later clarified that their vehicle was not involved, according to CBS News. The investigation into Thompson's murder has centered around several key pieces of evidence that the police are using to identify the suspect. The surveillance image from Starbucks shows the suspect just minutes before the shooting, and although he is masked, police sources have indicated that his eyes and part of his nose are visible. This detail is crucial as investigators are employing facial recognition software to find a match. Additionally, police are analyzing three bullet casings and three live rounds found at the crime scene for DNA evidence. Reports indicate that the words 'deny,' 'defend,' and 'depose' were discovered on the casings, which may provide further insight into the case. A mobile phone was also found in an alley along the suspect's escape route, and police are currently examining its contents. Furthermore, investigators plan to search Thompson's hotel room at the nearby Marriott, which is just down the street from where the incident occurred. As the investigation continues, the motive behind Thompson's murder remains unclear. Brian Thompson had a long career with UnitedHealthcare, having joined the company in 2004 from PricewaterhouseCoopers. He rose through the ranks and became CEO in 2021, leading the company through a period of significant profitability. Despite the ongoing investigation, police have not yet identified a clear motive for the killing, especially since the assailant fled without taking any of Thompson's possessions. In an interview, Thompson's wife mentioned that he had received some threats in the past, although she could not provide specific details. Additionally, police in Thompson's hometown of Maple Grove, Minnesota, reported a suspicious incident at his home in 2018, but it was resolved without any criminal activity being detected. The investigation remains active, and authorities are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event.