Crime
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killer’s backpack found in Central Park
NYPD investigators have recovered a backpack in Central Park that may have belonged to the suspect who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this week.
The discovery was made in the area south of the Central Park carousel, near the Ramsey Playground, according to law enforcement sources.
The backpack, described as “very distinctive,” matches the gray bag seen on the suspect during the shooting. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny emphasized its unique features during a press briefing on Friday.
“It is huge and gray,” Kenny stated, noting its potential significance in identifying the gunman.
Police sources indicated that the backpack was not opened at the scene. Instead, it was secured and sent directly to the lab for forensic analysis.
Investigators are hopeful that the contents of the bag may provide critical evidence in the ongoing investigation, such as physical traces or materials that could link the suspect to the crime.
Authorities are continuing to piece together the events surrounding the targeted shooting of Thompson, which occurred outside the New York Hilton Midtown earlier this week. The gunman, who fled the scene, remains at large.
Police are urging anyone with additional information about the backpack or the suspect to contact law enforcement immediately.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.