NEW YORK — A New York City hostel has become a key location in the investigation of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder, which occurred on December 4, 2024, in Midtown Manhattan.

Authorities have revealed that the NYPD obtained surveillance images showing a person of interest who was seen unmasked while interacting with a hostel front desk clerk. Reports indicate that the man had checked into the HI New York City Hostel, located at 891 Amsterdam Ave, using a fake identification document.

A source close to the investigation stated that the female receptionist engaged in a brief conversation with the suspect, during which she asked to ‘see his pretty smile.’ A significant moment ensued when the individual complied, removing his mask to reveal his face. Former NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller noted that this informal interaction currently stands as the most significant clue in the case.

NYPD investigators believe the suspect may have arrived in New York City approximately ten days prior to the murder, likely traveling by bus. Detectives have secured the room where he was staying and are currently interviewing other guests.

Incident Timeline

According to police, video footage captured the suspect departing from a subway station around 6:15 a.m., just thirty minutes before the shooting. He was later seen at a nearby Starbucks, purchasing a drink and a snack with cash. As he approached the Hilton hotel around 6:30 a.m., he was recorded talking on his phone.

At approximately 6:46 a.m., Thompson was fatally shot outside the Hilton, and the gunman subsequently fled the scene.

Clues and Continuing Investigation

Evidence from the crime scene includes shell casings inscribed with the words ‘Delay’ and ‘Deny,’ which investigators are examining for clues regarding a possible motive. These terms have been linked to critical discussions around health insurance tactics.

Mayor Eric Adams described the use of a silencer in the shooting as shocking, stating, ‘In all of my years of law enforcement, I have never seen a silencer before.’ Detectives are currently focused on tracing the suspect’s movements and his potential use of a B&T STATION SIX gun.

The investigation is active with the NYPD offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The police urge anyone with relevant information to reach out via their Crime Stoppers hotline.

Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two, was involved in the healthcare sector and had traveled to New York for a conference when he was killed. His family expressed their devastation over his loss, calling it a ‘senseless’ act of violence.