Breaking: NYC Hostel at the Center of UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Investigation

The murder investigation of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has taken a significant turn with the focus shifting to a New York City hostel. Police obtained photos of a person of interest from the hostel, revealing his face despite usually wearing a mask. A flirtatious interaction with a hostel employee provided a crucial, clear image of his face, considered "the most significant clue to date."

<img src="https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/12/05/8d777d62-fb77-4d45-ac43-9067d6fdd2c3/thumbnail/620x349/3891fe98b2df1bf8445957bc423ae91b/mtn-homicide-new-photo-1.jpg?v=d633d0331cc96a4353754b3de830df72#" alt="Newly released surveillance photos of the person of interest">

The Suspect's Trail

The person of interest checked into the Hi New York Hostel on Amsterdam Ave. using a fake New Jersey ID. Investigators have compiled over 200 images tracking his movements, from his arrival in NYC ten days before the shooting (via a Greyhound bus from Atlanta) to his possible escape route (potentially via a bus to Atlanta from the Port Authority Bus Terminal). A reward of up to $50,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

<img src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/12/05/ed75c85f-4c66-4805-9e83-fd1ec1e28f28/thumbnail/620x579/24dae40a8adf1ebd039f29c4a4c86699/ceoshootingtimeline-1.png?v=d633d0331cc96a4353754b3de830df72#" alt="Timeline of the suspect's movements">

A Backpack and Cryptic Clues

A backpack believed to belong to the suspect was found in Central Park. It contained a jacket, but not the murder weapon. The items are undergoing forensic testing. Shell casings with the words "Delay" and "Deny" written on them were recovered at the scene; investigators are exploring possible connections to a book critical of insurer tactics. The suspect reportedly used a B&T STATION SIX gun with a silencer.

<img src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/12/06/2dae49d7-b781-4ff5-8988-234ba80894bd/thumbnail/620x349/e5e5d1efb633812010b76fdb03fd5ff2/fan-430am-pkg-unitedhea-wcbscc8r-hi-res-still-00-01-2928.jpg?v=d633d0331cc96a4353754b3de830df72#" alt="Shell casings with the words "Delay" and "Deny" written on them">

Contact Information

To provide information, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) (Spanish). Tips can also be submitted via their website.