A flirty exchange between a hostel receptionist and an unidentified man has become a crucial lead in a high-profile murder investigation.
According to The US Sun, surveillance footage captured the suspect, wanted for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, removing his mask after a receptionist asked to see his "pretty smile" at a New York City hostel.
The interaction occurred when the suspect checked into the HI New York City Hostel on November 30, four days before Thompson's execution-style killing. NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counter-terrorism John Miller described this moment as the most significant clue in the investigation so far, as it provided a clear view of the suspect's face.
The suspect arrived in New York City on November 24 via a Greyhound bus from Atlanta, though investigators have not determined his original boarding location. He initially stayed at the hostel until November 29, then returned on November 30, using a fraudulent New Jersey driver's license for check-in.
Police discovered the suspect's presence at the hostel through CCTV footage showing him in the area at 5 am on Wednesday, approximately an hour before Thompson's shooting. A subsequent search of his shared dormitory room, which housed up to six other men, yielded no significant evidence.
The killer demonstrated careful planning throughout his stay, maintaining facial coverage except for the brief interaction with the receptionist. He was later spotted at a nearby Starbucks before the shooting, providing additional surveillance footage for investigators.
The murder weapon has been identified as a rare World War II-inspired firearm, specifically matching the description of a Brugger & Thomet VP9. This specialized weapon, based on the British Welrod pistol design, is commonly used by veterinarians for humane animal euthanasia.
Forensics teams made a disturbing discovery when examining evidence from the crime scene. The words "deny," "depose," and "defend" were found inscribed on bullets and shell casings, potentially referencing the book "Delay, Deny, Defend," which criticizes insurance companies' claim denial practices.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Miller reflected on the crucial security footage moment:
They were having a flirtatious moment and he pulls it down and he gives a big smile and that one informal moment between two human beings remains at this moment the most significant clue to date in this whole case.
Thompson, who earned a $9.9 million salary, was under a Department of Justice investigation at the time of his death. The probe focused on stock sales worth $15.1 million that Thompson executed shortly before a federal antitrust investigation became public knowledge.
His wife, Paulette, revealed that Thompson had received threats prior to his murder. Adding to the investigation's complexity, a fake bomb threat targeting Thompson's residence was reported approximately 12 hours after his assassination.
The NYPD is actively pursuing leads with a $10,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest. The investigation has prompted other healthcare providers to enhance security measures for their executives.
The brazen assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 outside the New York Hilton Midtown has sparked an extensive manhunt. The suspect, captured on surveillance removing his mask during a hostel check-in, remains at large despite multiple security camera sightings. Law enforcement continues to investigate potential motives, including connections to Thompson's role at America's largest private health insurer and recent DOJ scrutiny of his financial transactions.
