In the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson murder case, after finding the suspect’s bag, the NYPD divers searched Central Park’s Lake on Saturday for the weapon used, whilst the manhunt enters its fourth day.
The search was concentrated near the park’s boathouse and Bethesda Fountain. Investigators still seek two crucial pieces of evidence: the suspect’s electric bicycle and the murder weapon.
Authorities discovered a backpack in the park on Friday evening, which is undergoing forensic analysis in Queens. Officials confirmed the backpack contained no firearm but included a Tommy Hilfiger jacket, CNN reported.
The NYPD is receiving assistance from federal investigators to analyse evidence, including the backpack, photographs, video footage, ammunition, and DNA samples. They believe the suspect has left the city.
The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction, whilst the NYPD offers an additional $10,000 reward.
Officials believe the suspect, who arrived in New York via Greyhound from Atlanta last month, has departed the city by interstate bus. NYPD detectives have travelled to Atlanta to advance the investigation, with support from local police.
‘Net is tightening’
Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the backpack discovery as a positive development, stating they would identify and apprehend the suspect.
“The net is tightening,” Mayor Adams told reporters at a Police Athletic League holiday party in Harlem on Saturday.
Mayor Adams declined to say whether investigators already had the suspect’s name when asked at a Harlem event.
“We don’t want to release that now,” Adams said. “If we do, we are basically giving a tip to the person we are seeking and we do not want to give him an upper hand at all. Let him continue to believe he can hide behind the mask. We revealed his face. We’re going to reveal who he is and we’re going to bring him to justice.”
Investigators are scrutinising surveillance images of an unmasked individual released on Thursday. Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported substantial evidence collection, including fingerprints and extensive CCTV footage of the suspect’s movements.
Police probing whether special gun used to kill Thompson
Chief Detective Joseph Kenny indicated they’re investigating whether a specialised weapon was used. Border authorities on both Canadian and Mexican frontiers have been alerted.
Cops are probing whether the weapon used was a “veterinary” gun commonly used to euthanize animals, an NYPD official said, New York Post reported.
The murder weapon used in the assassination of Thompson “appears to be a larger handgun” similar to the style of a veterinary gun, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.
“It’s a weapon commonly used on farms and ranches. If an animal has to get put down, the animal can be shot without causing a loud noise,” Kenny explained Friday, but the lead proved a dead end, sources told The Post.
The weapon is believed to be a modernized version of a World War-II style gun called a Welrod, sources said. Modern versions of the firearm are known as VP-9 or Station 6.
Suspect uses false identity
The suspect reportedly used false identification to book accommodation at an Upper West Side hostel after arriving on November 24. Evidence includes hostel photographs, a disposable phone, and a water bottle from the crime scene.
Ammunition recovered bore the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose,” potentially linking to insurance industry criticism. UnitedHealth Group has implemented enhanced security measures for staff following the incident.
