A retired NYPD lieutenant and former commander, Joe Cardinale, has shared insights into the ongoing search for the suspect who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Cardinale described the killer as “not a professional but calculated,” highlighting the meticulous planning evident in the crime and the suspect’s escape.
Cardinale pointed to the peculiar messages left on bullets at the scene—bearing words like “depose,” “deny,” and “defend”—as a key element suggesting the crime was premeditated and potentially connected to a civil dispute with UnitedHealthcare.
He noted that these phrases resemble themes from the 2010 book “Delay. Deny. Defend” by Jay Feinman, although efforts to reach Feinman or the publisher for comment were unsuccessful.
Targeted Attack
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Cardinale suggested that the suspect had specific knowledge of Thompson’s location at the time of the attack, raising questions about how the killer acquired such information. He speculated that the killer might have left clues intentionally, possibly as a way to taunt investigators.
The suspect, identified as a person of interest, was spotted on surveillance footage at a Manhattan hostel lobby, where he briefly interacted with a clerk. Cardinale emphasized the importance of speaking with the clerk, who may provide valuable insights.
Meanwhile, Thompson’s wife, Paulette, disclosed that her husband had been receiving death threats prior to the murder, possibly linked to disputes over healthcare coverage.
Keeping Details Close
The NYPD has withheld the name of the person of interest to avoid jeopardizing the investigation. Cardinale defended this strategy, explaining that investigators must protect the integrity of the case to secure a conviction once the suspect is apprehended.
The suspect is believed to be closely monitoring media coverage of the case. Cardinale described such behavior as typical of criminals who seek notoriety and may perceive themselves as smarter than law enforcement.
Nationwide Manhunt
Now in its fifth day, the manhunt has expanded across multiple states. On Sunday, the FBI released new images of the person of interest and announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Cardinale commended the collaborative efforts of the NYPD and FBI, expressing confidence in their meticulous approach. He encouraged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the high visibility of the suspect’s image nationwide.
How to Help
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (or 1-888-57-PISTA for Spanish). Tips can also be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.com.
The investigation continues as authorities intensify efforts to bring the suspect to justice.