NYPD: UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect no longer believed to be in New York City

New York City accidents. All New York City homicide accidents

Facebook - Accident.biz; Instagram - accident.biz; X(Twitter) Accident.biz  - https://x.com/AccidentBiz 

Search for Masked Gunman Enters Third Day, FBI Joins Manhunt

The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.

The investigation into the masked gunman who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson entered its third day Friday, bringing significant developments as law enforcement expanded its search nationwide.

Suspect Leaves NYC

The NYPD believes the shooter has left New York City. Surveillance shows the man biking out of Central Park before switching to foot travel at Columbus Avenue and West 86th Street, where he hailed a taxi. The cab took him to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station at 178th Street. Officials believe he boarded a bus there, as he was not seen exiting the facility. The FBI has now joined the manhunt, following leads across multiple states. The suspect’s bus reportedly made six or seven stops.

Evidence Recovered in Central Park

On Friday, police recovered a backpack in Central Park believed to belong to the suspect. Surveillance footage shows him carrying the bag before the shooting, but it is missing in footage from 15 minutes later. The bag is undergoing forensic analysis at the NYPD lab.

Arrival Details

The suspect arrived in New York on November 24 via a bus from Atlanta, with surveillance capturing him at the Port Authority Bus Terminal around 9 p.m. Investigators believe he boarded in Washington, D.C., or somewhere en route. DNA samples collected from the crime scene are being analyzed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Surveillance and Leads

Detectives have gathered extensive surveillance footage showing the suspect around the city—on subways, in cabs, and at locations like McDonald’s and Starbucks. He used cash and kept his mask on, suggesting premeditation. A smudged fingerprint was recovered from a water bottle he purchased at Starbucks.

The suspect also checked into the HI New York City Hostel on November 30, using a fake New Jersey license. Surveillance captured his unmasked face when a front desk clerk asked him to smile, an image now central to the investigation.

The Shooting and Motive

Thompson, 50, was killed Wednesday at 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton during his company’s investor conference. Surveillance shows the shooter loitering near the hotel before approaching Thompson from behind and firing several rounds, including one to the back and another to the right calf. Messages like "Deny," "Defend," and "Depose" were inscribed on the shell casings, suggesting a grudge against the company. Detectives are investigating disputes and threats involving UnitedHealthcare.

Ongoing Efforts

Police are tracking the suspect’s movements during his 10-day stay in New York, canvassing neighborhoods for more footage. The e-bike used in his escape and other potential evidence remain missing. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information.

Mayor Eric Adams praised the NYPD’s progress, highlighting the unmasked photo as a critical lead. "We are on the pathway to bringing this person to justice," Adams said.