NY - UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot in Midtown. #3

[Charlot123]

<BBM>

More now from CBS, who have just reported the manhunt has become a multi-state search.

Officials add that this is an "important development" and it is likely that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) could take the lead on some elements of the case.

CBS also report that police have complied a portfolio of more than 200 images of the suspect that spans his arrival in New York City, the scene of the homicide and his escape route.

A series of those key images have since been distributed to around 80 major police departments across the US, and the New York Police Department has requested assistance of other police forces to help aid with the search.

Police say they are confident they will find him. "We're gonna get this guy," one official told CBS.

Live updates: Backpack found as NY health boss shooting suspect search expands to Georgia

NYPD says the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan was "a brazen, targeted attack".

www.bbc.co.uk

I hope that because of one CEO, our cases of child abductors or serial killers or LISK or school shooters are not pushed back.
Violence in subway reflects worse on the city than a person who is entitled to a bodyguard and doesn’t use him.

Even my 72 year old dad, with no social media, is following this case.

I wasn’t shocked, initially. My first thought was, bureaucracy is replaceable. It got interesting because of two things: 1) the killer; 2) the information about United Healthcare flooding the internet

 

[Sunshynn]

Again, we have no proof he had any actual human interaction with the outer mask down beyond quickly showing the checkin clerk his “face”.

Respectfully, the still picture shows him smiling in the interaction at the Hostel.
The masks have closed mouths that do not 'smile' - imo

 

[na19]

New video of UnitedHealthcare CEO suspect emerges

The killer appears to dump an object on trash bags before killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

www.newsweek.com

The chief suspect in the killing of Brian Thompson appears to have dumped something on a pile of trash bags before shooting the UnitedHealthcare chief executive in New York, footage obtained by Newsweek shows.

The dumped object may hold vital DNA evidence about the killer's identity.

The newly emerged CCTV footage recorded on Manhattan's West 55th Street at 6:19 a.m. on Wednesday shows the man walking toward the Hilton Hotel.

There are two piles of garbage close to the Stage Star Deli at 105 West 55th Street, where the CCTV camera was recording.

The suspect walks past the first pile of blue plastic bags, then pauses in front of a pile of white plastic bags. He then leans forward and places some small object on one of the bags and continues walking. The suspect is wearing a gray backpack and dark shoes with white soles.


View attachment 549647

Small object…USB?

 

[Jeremy Bentham]

Moo.. I guess that book will get a few extra buyers.

Not if there are frugalitos like me. I will get it from the library.

 

[Inthedetails]

Respectfully, the still picture shows him smiling in the interaction at the Hostel.
The masks have closed mouths that do not 'smile' - imo

Yes, that face is his face.

And I personally suspect he was hired and chosen because he looks good. Wild theory, I know, but his looks help sell this story and garner support.

Imagine if he looked ugly - would as many people support the killing if it was done by a brutish-looking monster?

jmo

 

[Torbs]

<modsnip - quoted post was removed>
Want to poke a little at the idea BT’s schedule is easy to get. I can speak from personal experience.

Let’s say my spouse is also an executive. They travel to big cities like NYC and do similar speaking engagements like investor days. Who has access to their specific movements, not just the details of public appearances?

Well, at the top of the list is me. We are in direct communication and use family tracking apps. We pretty much know where each other are at all times, and in the most detail. It wouldn’t be surprising to get a check in call or text on that walk between hotels.

Next on that list is a personal assistant. They arrange the travel and manage the calendar. They know you need to be at breakfast at quarter to 8 and that it will take 10 minutes to get from where you’re staying to where you need to be. They’re probably also in direct contact. They aren’t tracking you with gps but it is their job to micromanage your day.

Next up? Any security detail, if you have it, who probably get a version of your schedule from the admin. They won’t know as much as them, though.

Next is probably some small collection of peers in your company. They probably only get a sanitized version, if that. They may not know your direct comings and goings, but probably communicate with you as the day goes along on their personal devices.

Finally, there’s the public (read: everyone else). They’ll only know where and when you’re scheduled to speak.

In my strong opinion this killer needed either my level or the admin’s level of detail to pull this off. He knew exactly where to be and within a tight window. How would he get that detail? Hacking into my phone? Hacking into partner’s company email? Getting it directly from one of us because we are conspiring with them? It’s a very limited list. Knowing that BT will be at an event at a certain time at a certain day at a certain place still means you have to mill around until an opportunity presents itself. I don’t see that here at all.

For that reason I think this was either someone he knew or something related to the ransomware attack (which I keep reminding folks is still ongoing). The motivation could be anything but the means I think are very narrow.

 

[Universecalling]

Small object…USB?

SIM card? The phone didn’t look like an expensive smart phone (if the pic I saw was the actual evidence photo).
Or was it the phone he talked on? Hoping someone sees it and steals it?
Seemed like he placed it to be visible.

 

[Charlot123]

Would the hostel be able to get an uber for their guest?

Anyone can order an Uber and send it to the hostel.

 

[acutename]

Same impression I had- these may not be pictures of the same person. Early info is often wrong after all.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...ack.thing-photos-Brian-Thompson-assassin.html

from the article:"He had a security detail with him for the conference appearance, but they were not present at the time of the attack."

why?

 

[IQuestion]

He is smart. Everyone is looking for someone on the run, right? Our thought (spouse & I) is that he has "hunkered down." Has a place to stay until things "cool down." Less officers/detectives/security guards and public on alert after a week or two. It would be easier to slip away when there are a lot of people attending downtown functions. Shows, tree lighting, holiday shoppers etc. Also, if he is not in CODIS, good luck with the smudged fingerprint.

 

[shetalksinstereo]

5 minutes ago

DNA recovered from killer's water bottle and bullets: sources​

By Matt Troutman
Investigators are days away from DNA results in evidence connected to the shooter who gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, The Post has learned.

The potential DNA evidence has been recovered from a water bottle believed to have been dropped by the masked gunman as he fled from shooting Thompson outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown, as well as bullets from the scene, sources said. A Starbucks coffee cup from the shooter is also being processed for DNA evidence, according to sources.

The manhunt for the shooter — which entered its third day Friday — has involved investigators tracking his movements across New York City going back to his apparent arrival Nov. 24 on a bus from Atlanta pulling into Port Authority.

All places that investigators confirmed the suspect visited have been combed for DNA evidence and fingerprints, including the Upper West Side hostel room where he stayed, sources said.

UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting live updates: FBI joins investigation into Brian Thompson’s killing

Follow The Post’s live updates for the latest news as a shooter remains at large after killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Wednesday outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown NYC.

nypost.com

DNA is helpful if there is a data point to connect it, I get that. But, what if there isn't? Here's my own situation, DNA wise. I'm an only child and do not have biological children. I've never submitted a DNA sample, nor have my parents or grandparents. My mom had a sister with no children, and she never submitted a DNA sample. My dad had a brother, he never submitted a DNA sample. My uncle had 2 children, a son with no children who most likely has never submitted a DNA sample and a daughter who also is unlikely to have. No one has ever been in jail. My female cousin does have 2 kids. They are the only genealogical possibilities to tie back to me.

I would be floored if he’s already in the system. He’s not worried at all that he’s going to be caught.

That would be me, I'm not in any DNA system! It would have to be very distant familial DNA to trace to me, no one in my immediate family has ever submitted DNA, I'm an only child with no biological children. I do have fingerprints though for TSA so I'm beat there!

 

[MassGuy]

DNA is helpful if there is a data point to connect it, I get that. But, what if there isn't? Here's my own situation, DNA wise. I'm an only child and do not have biological children. I've never submitted a DNA sample, nor have my parents or grandparents. My mom had a sister with no children, and she never submitted a DNA sample. My dad had a brother, he never submitted a DNA sample. My uncle had 2 children, a son with no children who most likely has never submitted a DNA sample and a daughter who also is unlikely to have. No one has ever been in jail. My female cousin does have 2 kids. They are the only genealogical possibilities to tie back to me.

That would be me, I'm not in any DNA system! It would have to be very distant familial DNA to trace to me, no one in my immediate family has ever submitted DNA, I'm an only child with no biological children. I do have fingerprints though for TSA so I'm beat there!

That's not how they're going to catch him though. Once a witness identifies him, or they get on his trail because of some other piece of evidence, that DNA will be used to confirm his involvement. So it won't help them find him, but it will help them know they found him.

 

[shetalksinstereo]

I’ve been around fair amount of C suites and honestly do not remember in the past 6-8 years any of them wearing a tie. If I think really hard I may remember maybe a few times. Some of them are global leaders not just VP/CEOs of divisions.
Typically they’re in a suit jacket and no tie. Many are dressed exactly how BT was dressed in that photo.
Even if you look at Andrew Witty’s wiki page you can see he’s more business casual, and he’s the global lead for UHG.

ETA: of course there are times they wear full suit and tie, but that’s mainly for DC business and such.
The running joke is that if you see someone in a suit and tie roaming in any HQ building in the world, they’re interviewing for their next climb up the ladder

I work in a small town nfp and everyone keeps a suit jacket and a tie for meetings in case they forget to wear them. Even women wear blazers. Old school.

 

[rizzo0904]

Random question...back in the 1980s, I was fingerprinted in school. Do that still do that? That was back in the "missing kids on milk cartons" days. My kids both have TSA precheck, so their prints are on file because of that.

 

[alsleuther]

Want to poke a little at the idea BT’s schedule is easy to get. I can speak from personal experience.

Let’s say my spouse is also an executive. They travel to big cities like NYC and do similar speaking engagements like investor days. Who has access to their specific movements, not just their public appearances?

Well, at the top of the list is me. We are in direct communication and use family tracking apps. We pretty much know where each other are at all times, and in the most detail. It wouldn’t be surprising to get a check in call or text on that walk between hotels.

Next on that list is a personal assistant. They arrange the travel and manage the calendar. They know you need to be at breakfast at quarter to 8 and that it will take 10 minutes to get from where you’re staying to where you need to be. They’re probably also in direct contact. They aren’t tracking you with gps but it is their job to micromanage your day.

Next up? Any security detail, who probably get a version of your schedule from the admin.

Next is probably some small collection of peers in your company. They probably only get a sanitized version, if that. They may not know your direct comings and goings, but probably communicate with you as the day goes along on their personal devices.

Finally, there’s the public (read: everyone else). They’ll only know where and when you’re scheduled to speak.

In my strong opinion this killer needed either my level or the admin’s level of detail to pull this off. He knew exactly where to be and within a tight window. How would he get it? Hacking into my phone? Hacking into partner’s company email? Getting it directly from one of us because we are conspiring with them? It’s a very limited list.

For that reason I think this was either someone he knew or something related to the ransomware attack (which I keep reminding folks is still ongoing). The motivation could be anything but the means I think are very narrow.

BINGO!

The knowledge of his exact movements that morning is crucial to carrying out the shooting - he assumed his position SIX minutes before BT walked by! After his leisurely Starbucks stop 30 min prior. There are only two options:

1 - The shooter is in communication with one of the people you have listed above - family, assistant, friends, coworkers, security etc.

OR

2 - This is some spy movie, CIA style professional hitman getting his information from a cyberattack or hacked devices.

And based on the cute smiles to the hostel worker, the Starbies stop 30 minutes before the shooting and sleeping in a hostel a few feet from others, I just don't think this guy is a pro

 

[acutename]

5 minutes ago

DNA recovered from killer's water bottle and bullets: sources​

By Matt Troutman
Investigators are days away from DNA results in evidence connected to the shooter who gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, The Post has learned.

The potential DNA evidence has been recovered from a water bottle believed to have been dropped by the masked gunman as he fled from shooting Thompson outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown, as well as bullets from the scene, sources said. A Starbucks coffee cup from the shooter is also being processed for DNA evidence, according to sources.

The manhunt for the shooter — which entered its third day Friday — has involved investigators tracking his movements across New York City going back to his apparent arrival Nov. 24 on a bus from Atlanta pulling into Port Authority.

All places that investigators confirmed the suspect visited have been combed for DNA evidence and fingerprints, including the Upper West Side hostel room where he stayed, sources said.

UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting live updates: FBI joins investigation into Brian Thompson’s killing

Follow The Post’s live updates for the latest news as a shooter remains at large after killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Wednesday outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown NYC.

nypost.com

now he had a coffee cup- we were told water and variously: candy, granola,protein bars.

 

[RobSA]

He is smart. Everyone is looking for someone on the run, right? Our thought (spouse & I) is that he has "hunkered down." Has a place to stay until things "cool down." Less officers/detectives/security guards and public on alert after a week or two. It would be easier to slip away when there are a lot of people attending downtown functions. Shows, tree lighting, holiday shoppers etc. Also, if he is not in CODIS, good luck with the smudged fingerprint.

He would have to rent a place, a relatively expensive place, in which there would be a big risk in being recognized. If he had access to a place that didn't have that expense or risk, he would have used that place before, not staying in a hostel.

 

[setyourselffree]

once you start thinking about ridiculous theories like "hiring hitmen on himself", it's time to step away from the computer and do something else, imo.

We’re just having a little fun with theories… I even said I don’t believe it. We are all here sleuthing and this is an interesting case that will produce interesting theories, given the bizarre nature of the perps behavior and the mystery that accompanies them. Until more facts come out, the theories will only get more silly as people’s imaginations run wild. Just let people explore ideas and discuss. No need to gatekeep.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

You will find people who are sympathetic to the plight of those who couldn't get the healthcare they needed thanks to being denied by insurers.

This IS why...early on... I felt we might be seeing a Robinhood scenario here....

I guess my biggest concern is if it is a much more aggressive act... to mess with America's mind....Plenty of writers and economic influencers out there have been telling us for months and years how easy it is to mess things up in the American psyche with just how divisive our country is right now... I think targeting the CEO of the largest insurer in the world could do this very thing.

And, I , for one, cannot get over just how cocky this guy seems to be. From my way of thinking at the moment, with so little to go on......He is just too too brazen to have an emotional bond in this game.

 

[DancingMuse]

BINGO!

The knowledge of his exact movements that morning is crucial to carrying out the shooting. There are only two options:

1 - The shooter is in communication with one of the people you have listed above - family, assistant, friends, coworkers, security etc.

OR

2 - This is some spy movie, CIA style professional hitman getting his information from a cyberattack or hacked devices.

And based on the cute smiles to the hostel worker, the Starbies stop 30 minutes before the shooting and sleeping in a hostel a few feet from others, I just don't think this guy is a pro

Agreeing with you alsleuther. Good points.

Would love to know if his roommates (a few feet from him) at that hostel ever saw his hair?

As in, Did NoName even take off that sweatshirt to sleep and move about the dorm room?

We will know in time; and I am sure that LE knows this NOW:

NoName NEVER removed his hood,.....NOR his mask while in the room with his room mates?

I'm trying to imagine what his hair looked like with his features and his approximate age?

Possibilities include:

Hair color: Brown, Black, Blond, Bleached, Another “non-natural” Color?

Hair texture: Frizzy, Curly, Straight, Wavy?

Hair volume: Thin, thick, or weaves ?

Hair style: Long, pulled back in a pony tail? (artistic)
Short, buzz cut (military styled)? Or, something in between?

Any Male-pattern baldness ?

Hair Part: Front part, side part, no part?

Completely Shaved/Bald, or full head of hair?