Monopoly money, shell casings engraved with cryptic messages, and a flood of conspiracy theories on social media—each new detail deepens the intrigue surrounding the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
A gray backpack connected to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was discovered abandoned in Central Park, yielding unexpected contents. Inside, investigators reportedly found a jacket and Monopoly money, but no firearm.
The backpack was located on Central Park West hidden in the bushes. Sources suggest the backpack may have been discarded by the gunman after the shooting. According to Bloomberg, Monopoly money was among the items recovered.
This discovery comes as the search for Thompson's killer enters its fourth day. Thompson was fatally shot with a suppressed pistol around 6:45 a.m. on December 4, just outside the NewYork Hilton Midtown Hotel.
Will the Monopoly money and jacket help close in on the killer?
After finding the backpack with Monopoly money and the jacket in Central Park, authorities are actively pursuing leads. The FBI has joined the search, believing the gunman may have left New York City, possibly traveling by bus out of state. They have offered a $50,000 reward in addition to the $10,000 offered by New York police.
Police divers were searching Central Park's waters for the murder weapon, focusing on areas near the Boathouse foundation and the nearby fountain, though it's unclear if anything was recovered.
As reported by WNBC, investigators have also gathered over 200 images of the suspect, including footage of him wearing the backpack and riding an electric bike through Central Park shortly after the murder.
Meanwhile, the backpack is being analyzed in a lab for trace evidence, including DNA, fibers, and hair, which could provide further clues. Retired FBI agent Scott Duffey explained to Fox News Digital:
"[It's] a process for hair, fibers [and] DNA. If he holds his hand against the strap and tightens the buckle like most of us do, that is where DNA most likely can be found. And zippers."
As the manhunt enters its fourth day, Mayor Adams stated that the investigation is closing in on the suspect, with 'the net tightening' around the killer.
Has the suspect left New York City?
After riding out of Central Park shortly after the shooting, the gunman was later seen hailing a taxi at Columbus Avenue and West 86th Street, which took him to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. Surveillance footage showed him entering the bus station, but he was not seen exiting, leading investigators to conclude that he likely boarded an interstate bus. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny stated:
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“Those buses are interstate buses. That’s why we believe he may have left New York City,”
Investigators are now following up on leads in Texas and Atlanta, as it’s believed the bus that brought the suspect to New York originated in that area, though authorities are unsure of where along the 870-mile route the gunman boarded. There have been reports that the suspect was seen on the bus in Washington, D.C.
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