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HIDDEN MESSAGE
‘Delay, Deny, Defend’ author refuses to speak as bullets used to kill Brian Thompson etched with message echoing book
Cops said the killer discarded a water bottle and candy bar wrapper that they are using to ID him
THE author of Delay, Deny, Defend refused to speak after the words found scrawled on the bullets used to kill health insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York City on Wednesday echoed his book.
Investigators found the words “deny,” “depose,” and “defend” inscribed on the assassin's live rounds and shell casings found at the murder scene in Manhattan.
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The three-word message is strikingly similar to a book about insurance companies published in 2010 by insurance law expert Jay M. Feinman, a professor at Rutgers Law School.
His book Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claim and What You Can Do About is fiercely critical of the insurance industry.
Asked by the Sun about any potential link to Wednesday's horror shooting, the author replied, "No comment, sorry."
A description of the book states that it contains "dozens of stories involving major insurers" and aims to counsel readers "on how to make insurance buying decisions and pursue disputed claims."
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Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was killed when the gunman approached him and opened fire outside the New York Hilton Midtown just after 6:45 am.
Chilling security footage obtained by The U.S. Sun shows the moment the masked suspect gunned down the CEO.
Thompson did not have security with him at the time despite UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, having an in-house security team.
The suspect was dressed in a dark, hooded jacket with a mask pulled up over his nose and was carrying a grey backpack.
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Following the killing, the shooter calmly got on a nearby e-bike and rode into Central Park. He was last seen on Central Park Drive.
Cops have launched a desperate manhunt for the gunman, who remains at large, using drones, helicopters, and dogs.
UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot outside Manhattan hotel in targeted attack
The suspect was caught on security cameras ordering at Starbucks on West 56th and 6th Avenue just two blocks from the scene before the shooting.
Sources claimed he bought coffee, a water bottle, and two PowerBars before the shooting.
He tossed the bottle and coffee cup in a trash can - which cops dug out of the garbage and now have as evidence.
Investigators also found a phone in an alley near the scene that they believe belongs to the gunman.
UnitedHealth Group Statement on Brian Thompson
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in a brazen attack on December 4 as he was leaving a New York City hotel. Parent company UnitedHealth Group released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.
"We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
"Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
They have obtained a search warrant to go through the contents of the phone.
Police are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while investigators had not yet established a motive, the shooting was not a random act of violence.
Thompson had been in New York City since Monday, and detectives are investigating how the shooter was able to track his movements.
However, it was public knowledge that he would host the event, and he was expected to announce that the company was looking forward to a profitable 2025.
Thompson was appointed CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021.
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Before becoming CEO, Thompson held various leadership roles within UnitedHealth Group, including positions in finance and operations.
Thompson was one of the senior executives at the company investigated by the Department of Justice.
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