Crime
Killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson wrote “deny”, “defend” and “depose” on bullet casings
Thompson collapsed on the busy sidewalk as bystanders scrambled for cover.
Investigators have revealed chilling details in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, who was gunned down in what police are calling a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack.”
Shell casings recovered from the crime scene outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” according to a senior New York City law enforcement official briefed on the investigation.
The shooting occurred early Wednesday morning on Sixth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan.
Thompson was walking toward the hotel to deliver remarks at UnitedHealth Group’s highly anticipated investor conference when a masked gunman ambushed him.
Surveillance footage shows the gunman, who had been waiting near the hotel entrance for several minutes, approaching Thompson from behind. He fired at least two shots: one striking Thompson in the back and another hitting his right calf, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed during a press briefing.
Thompson collapsed on the busy sidewalk as bystanders scrambled for cover. Medics performed CPR at the scene before rushing him to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Despite the alarming nature of the attack, police have yet to identify the gunman or determine a motive. “This was clearly a calculated act, but as of now, we have no insight into the specific reasons behind the attack,” Tisch said.
The phrases written on the shell casings have added an unsettling layer to the investigation. Experts in criminal psychology suggest the words—”deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—could be linked to legal or corporate conflicts, but no conclusions have been drawn.
Authorities are working to decipher whether the words reflect the gunman’s intent or serve as a symbolic message connected to Thompson’s professional role.
The attack has raised questions about Thompson’s safety protocols, particularly since law enforcement sources have confirmed that he had received threats in the past. Despite this, Thompson reportedly did not travel with a personal security detail.
UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty expressed shock and grief over the tragic loss of Thompson, describing him as “an extraordinary leader, colleague, and friend.” The investor conference was abruptly canceled following the shooting, with Witty stating that the company’s focus is on supporting Thompson’s family and cooperating with the investigation.
The incident occurred in a highly visible and heavily trafficked area of Manhattan, prompting heightened security concerns. Mayor Eric Adams reassured the public that the attack appeared to be isolated and targeted, rather than a random act of violence.
Police are actively pursuing leads, including reviewing surveillance footage from the scene and nearby areas. The suspect has been described as a white male wearing a black mask, a cream-colored jacket, black-and-white sneakers, and carrying a gray backpack. He was last seen fleeing the scene on a bicycle through the Ziegfeld alleyway.
As investigations continue, officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.