Crime
Authorities identified the prime suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
New York, NY – Authorities have identified the prime suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, NYC Mayor Eric Adams revealed on Saturday.
The announcement comes as the investigation enters its fourth day, with law enforcement officials intensifying efforts to apprehend the perpetrator.
Speaking at a Police Athletic League holiday event in Harlem, Mayor Adams expressed confidence in the progress being made. “The net is tightening,” Adams said. While he confirmed that investigators now have the suspect’s name, he declined to disclose it, citing concerns about potentially tipping off the individual.
“If you release the name now, you’re essentially giving the suspect an advantage,” Adams explained. “Let him continue to believe he can hide behind the mask. We’ve revealed his face, and soon we’ll reveal his identity. We are determined to bring him to justice.”
Adams also praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across the tri-state area, highlighting their meticulous work in following the suspect’s trail and gathering crucial evidence. “Some of it is public, some remains undisclosed, but rest assured, the pieces are coming together,” he stated.
Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot on Wednesday as he approached a high-profile investor event in Manhattan without a security detail. The brazen attack, which occurred on a crowded sidewalk, was captured on surveillance cameras.
After the shooting, the suspect fled on a bicycle through Central Park. Surveillance footage showed the killer entering the park with a distinctive gray backpack and exiting without it. Investigators later recovered the bag during a grid search of the park, uncovering potential evidence.
Notably, bullets found at the crime scene carried cryptic inscriptions reading “Deny,” “Defend,” and “Depose,” raising questions about the motive behind the assassination.
The suspect was also captured on surveillance video flashing a smile at a clerk at an Upper West Side youth hostel before the killing. While officials have not disclosed how they identified the suspect, they acknowledged the role of tips from the public in advancing the investigation.
Adams commended the relentless dedication of investigators. “Some of these officers haven’t gone home since this began. Their commitment to ensuring this individual is removed not just from New York’s streets but from anywhere in America is commendable,” he said.
The motive for the killing remains unclear, but authorities are confident they are closing in on the suspect. “We will bring this person to justice,” Adams concluded.
The investigation continues as law enforcement urges anyone with additional information to come forward.
Tokio, N.D. – A North Dakota man has been charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, and offenses in Indian Country following a deadly shooting on the Spirit Lake Reservation last week, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court on Monday, March 10.
Johnnie Jay Gaking is accused of fatally shooting his adult sister, Tiana Lenoir, and her 3-year-old daughter, Lokia, and critically injuring his mother, Kristy Lee, at a residence near Tokio, North Dakota, on March 4.
According to court documents, law enforcement responded to the residence and discovered Lenoir and her young daughter deceased from gunshot wounds.
Kristy Lee was found alive but suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.
She was transported to a hospital for emergency treatment.
A paramedic at the scene reported that Kristy Lee drifted in and out of consciousness and, at one point, stated that her son had shot her, the complaint alleges.
After the shooting, Gaking allegedly fled the scene and later arrived at another home near Tokio, where he reportedly stabbed himself multiple times before fleeing again in a blue Ford Focus.
Residents at the second home told Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) agents that Gaking appeared disoriented and displayed what they described as “crazy eyes.”
According to the complaint, Gaking told them, “[My sister] is dead, they’re all dead, I didn’t do it.” The residents observed fresh blood on his chest and abdomen and suspected he had inflicted stab wounds on himself.
Law enforcement apprehended Gaking shortly after the incident, and he was transported to a hospital for treatment.
During an interview with authorities, Gaking allegedly claimed that men in ski masks had been stalking him and that they had forced him to kill his family.
He also denied stabbing himself, stating that he did not know who was responsible since they were wearing ski masks, according to the complaint.
A family member who lived with the victims told investigators that Gaking had been behaving erratically before the shooting.
The relative stated that Gaking had been talking about being chased by men in ski masks, had not been sleeping, and appeared to be “tripping.”
Earlier in the day, he had an outburst and allegedly threatened, “If my family doesn’t believe me that people are trying to kill me, then I’ll kill all of you (expletive) first,” the complaint says.
The same family member also reported seeing Gaking waving a gun before hearing gunshots.
He recalled Gaking allegedly saying, “You’re next, uncle,” before fleeing for his life.
Gaking remains in custody, and a hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday in Grand Forks.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.