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.
Crime
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.