NYPD divers are currently searching a Central Park lake as the hunt for the person responsible for the death of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, intensifies.
On Sunday morning, these dedicated divers meticulously examined the lake’s depths for any signs of evidence. The search is concentrated around an area where investigators discovered a backpack believed to belong to the suspect. Diver communication through hand signals added to the urgency as the investigation progressed.
According to sources close to the investigation, the firearm used in the crime was not found within the backpack, prompting divers to inspect the water surrounding the park. Interestingly, authorities retrieved Monopoly money and a jacket from within the bag, raising further questions about the suspect’s intentions.
As of late Sunday morning, police had not reported the recovery of any significant evidence from the lake.
IMAGES: Witness the ongoing search
Authorities indicate that the suspect abandoned the scene of the shooting last week and made their way to Central Park via bicycle before ultimately taking a taxi to the Port Authority bus terminal. This discovery has led law enforcement to suggest that the suspect is no longer within the city limits of New York.
As former NYPD Detective Duffey explained on Saturday, forensic procedures could uncover critical DNA evidence. “If he interacts with the bag in any standard way, such as adjusting the straps, that could unveil vital clues,” he stated, highlighting the importance of even the smallest pieces of evidence.
The NYPD has announced a reward of $10,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect, a sum that has now been matched by the FBI, offering up to $50,000.
As the manhunt extends across multiple states, entering its fifth day, concerns grow. The Port Authority bus station serves as a hub for various routes that may lead him to New Jersey, Boston, or even southward toward Washington, D.C., creating a wide net for this dangerous individual.
Former D.C. homicide detective Ted Williams remarked that the Monopoly money found in the backpack could signal that the perpetrator is “playing games with the authorities.” His theory suggests that the killer is intentionally leaving behind clues, taunting law enforcement in a troubling psychological maneuver.
“This individual seems to be in a position of power, orchestrating a game of cat and mouse,” he noted, offering a chilling insight into the mind of a fugitive.
As this gripping story unfolds, residents of New York reflect on safety in their communities, where familiar places like Central Park, usually filled with laughter and life, now hold a sense of tension. The stark contrast between the joy of leisurely afternoons and the ominous shadow of violence serves as a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability.
Fox News’ Alexis McAdams contributed to this report.
