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On December 4, 2024, New York City experienced the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His death sent shockwaves through both the corporate world and the public. In the early hours of a busy Midtown Manhattan morning, Thompson was gunned down in what authorities have described as a brazen attack.

Five days later, following a nationwide manhunt, Luigi Mangione was arrested and now faces both state and federal charges.

The case is a complex web of chilling precision, possible motives, and a calculated escape. Click through this gallery to find a detailed breakdown of everything known so far about the investigation, evidence, and search for justice in this tragic case.

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Mangione is a 26-year-old from a prominent family in Maryland with a master's degree in computer science from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. He was valedictorian at his private all-boys high school and has so far been described as "normal" by all those who knew him. "Quite honestly, he had everything going for him," a former classmate told the Associated Press. A former roommate told CNN that Mangione had undergone a serious spinal surgery in the last year and was dealing with ongoing issues related to his back.

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When he was arrested, officers found a 3D-printed handgun and silencer consistent with the weapon used in the murder. They also found a two-page manifesto of sorts that detailed Mangione's ill will towards corporate America. "These parasites had it coming," he reportedly says in one line. "I do apologize for any strife and trauma, but it had to be done." Now, let's look back at the details of the crime and investigation.

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On December 4, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was killed in a targeted shooting on a bustling Midtown Manhattan street. The incident occurred early in the morning as Thompson was headed to the Hilton Midtown for his company’s annual investor conference.

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Among the crucial evidence recovered are a burner phone, a discarded water bottle, and marked ammunition. These items are believed to be key in helping police identify and track the suspect responsible for the killing.

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Surveillance footage from a nearby Starbucks showed a masked individual purchasing a bottle of water and two energy bars shortly before the shooting. Police believed this individual may be the perpetrator, and released related images for public assistance.

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A smudged fingerprint lifted from a discarded water bottle and the burner phone dropped at the scene underwent forensic analysis.

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Investigators are examining shell casings found at the crime scene, one bearing the word “depose” and another live round marked “delay.” The cryptic inscriptions provided clues to the killer’s motives.

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The suspect’s movements before and after the shooting, pieced together through surveillance footage, reveal a careful escape route. The individual was tracked riding an electric bike through Central Park and exiting at West 77th Street shortly afterward.

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Police tracked the suspect to an Upper West Side hostel using surveillance footage. The individual reportedly used a fake New Jersey driver’s license to check in, where interactions with staff and guests provided investigators with potential leads.

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Even though New York City is littered with security cameras that are ever-watchful, it often takes days for police to track suspects who have been captured on surveillance video. Indeed, analysts need to comb through tens of thousands of hours of footage from multiple camera sources.

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A key breakthrough came when a hostel employee asked the masked suspect to lower his face covering during a flirtatious exchange. This moment allowed authorities to capture an unmasked photo, which was then widely circulated for identification.

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The suspect’s attire–including a cream-colored jacket, a gray backpack, and black-and-white sneakers–was detailed by police to assist the public in identifying him.

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The assailant fled on an electric bike after the shooting, which remains unrecovered. Authorities believe the bike might have been strategically positioned, which suggests the suspect planned his escape meticulously.

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The suspect traveled to New York via Greyhound bus, arriving on November 24: 10 days before the attack. Surveillance footage captured him disembarking at the Port Authority terminal.

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Surveillance footage also shows that the gunman waited for Thompson outside the Hilton Midtown shortly before 7 am. Once Thompson arrived at the building, the masked assailant approached from behind and shot the CEO in the back. After Thompson fell to the ground, the gunman continued walking toward him while firing more shots.

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Experts analyzing the crime believe the gunman is a skilled marksman. Footage indicates that his firearm jammed while he committed the crime, but the shooter calmly fixed the issue before continuing, which indicates a high degree of firearms proficiency and prior training.

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The gun used in the attack was also fitted with a silencer, a modification that increases the likelihood of malfunctions. While this hindered the assailant’s efficiency, it also complicates the forensic analysis of the weapon and its mechanics.

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In a bid to locate missing evidence, police conducted an extensive grid search across the city, including garbage cans, dumpsters, and bushes. Investigators were especially focused on locating the suspect’s gray backpack, believing it may hold crucial evidence. However, when the suspected backpack was found in Central Park a few days later, it was filled with Monopoly money—another interesting clue left behind by the shooter.

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Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the killing as a “brazen, targeted attack,” and emphasized the department’s commitment to solving the case. She assured the public that the NYPD will relentlessly pursue the perpetrator until justice is served.

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Investigators examined threats Thompson received, potentially tied to his role in the healthcare industry. These threats may reveal whether the crime stemmed from professional grievances or even deeper and more personal vendettas.

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UnitedHealthcare executives, including Thompson, were reportedly targeted by threats. While Thompson’s name wasn’t explicitly mentioned, investigators are considering whether these threats are potentially linked to insurance disputes, and whether they could be a key motive for the killing.

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Brian Thompson’s widow expressed deep anguish over her husband’s tragic death. Describing him as a loving father and generous man, she spoke of the devastating impact his loss has had on their family and the community.

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UnitedHealthcare also issued a public statement expressing shock and grief over the killing of their CEO. They pledged full cooperation with law enforcement, while calling for patience and understanding during the ongoing investigation.

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Brian Thompson was widely respected for his vision and dedication in the healthcare industry. Appointed chief executive in 2021, his career at the company started nearly two decades prior.

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The urgency of the investigation pushed authorities to announce a US$10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

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The absence of Thompson’s security detail during the attack has raised concerns about whether high-profile executives should receive enhanced protection, particularly when credible threats have been made against them or their organization.

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Many people around the country have expressed morbid glee for the crime committed on a sidewalk in Manhattan, claiming that healthcare companies have created some of the worst experiences for them during times of medical distress.

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Mangione appeared for a procedural court hearing on March 28 and received a swell of support from his newly acquired fans. Judge Gregory Carro scheduled his next hearing for June 26, during which it is believed prosecutors will call for the death penalty.

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The suspect is faced with 11 charges against him, including that of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism. His case continues to be the subject of debate regarding the inaccessibility and inequity of the US healthcare system as well as the possibility of Mangione facing the death penalty for his crime.

Sources: (CNN) (The New York Times)

See also: The Menendez brothers: Unraveling a tragic family story