The recent death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has shocked the business world and the general public. At the center of this investigation are the words “Deny, Defend and Depose” written on the bullet casings recovered from the murder scene, sparking intense discussions about their potential significance.
Below, we address the key points of the case, analyzing the known facts and some of the information disseminated by the authorities leading the investigation.
What happened to UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson?
Brian Thompson, 50, was murdered last Wednesday in Manhattan, outside the Hilton Midtown, where he was scheduled to attend a UnitedHealthcare investor conference. According to authorities, a masked man shot him multiple times before fleeing on a bicycle toward Central Park.
Preliminary investigations have classified the attack as a “premeditated, planned, and targeted” act, according to Jessica Tisch, New York Police Commissioner. So far, the suspect remains at large.
What is the meaning of Deny, Defend and Depose in the context of the crime?
The bullet casings recovered at the crime scene had the words “Deny, Defend and Depose” written on them with a marker.
To date, authorities have not disclosed the implications of the message, but digital conversations suggest that the meaning of “Deny, Defend and Depose” could be related to practices often criticized in the insurance industry.
For instance, deny could refer to the rejection of claims. Critics have accused insurers of using strategies to deny payments to their clients, whether due to technicalities or bureaucratic obstacles.
Why might these words be key in the murder?
The phrase “Deny, Defend and Depose” is considered a variation of the well-known criticism of insurers, which includes the terms “Delay, Deny, Defend” (Delay, Deny, Defend). This has led authorities to investigate whether the crime’s motive is related to potential disputes between UnitedHealthcare and its clients.
READ ALSO: Who was Brian Thompson? Net worth and everything we know about the UnitedHealthcare CEO who was shot dead
Paulette Thompson reveals threats
In her first public statement since the murder, Paulette Thompson confirmed that her husband had mentioned receiving threats. Speaking to NBC News, she said: “There had been some threats… I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
While Paulette did not specify the nature of the threats, she hinted that they could be tied to “a lack of coverage,” potentially referring to disputes over the company’s health insurance policies. She added that the police informed her the attack on her husband appeared to be targeted, a detail that aligns with earlier reports from the NYPD.
What do we know about the suspect? Video shooting
Police described the suspect as a white male wearing a beige jacket, black mask, and gray backpack. Before the attack, he was caught on camera at a nearby Starbucks, paying in cash.
Additionally, “forensic evidence” was found at the café, along with a cellphone near the crime scene, both of which are being analyzed for further clues.
One aspect that has garnered significant attention and trended on Google is the video of the shooting.
United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson killer:
Collects shell casings
Shot to the heart from behind
Silencer (banned in NYC)
Great “hiding” skills
This dude was a prohttps://t.co/P2pOGZvffU https://t.co/2C2nw4YVkM— Crazy Machine (@alphacraph3) December 4, 2024
In Minnesota, UnitedHealthcare’s headquarters, there have been recent protests against the company due to alleged medical coverage issues. While no direct connection has been confirmed, police are reviewing previous threats against Thompson.
An unexpected memecoin: “Deny, Defend, Depose”
In a surprising twist, a memecoin named “Deny, Defend, Depose” was created shortly after the murder. This type of cryptocurrency, usually satirical, has raised speculations about whether its launch is mocking the case or attempting to capitalize on the media attention.
This incident has put UnitedHealthcare in the spotlight. Public perception of insurers already faces challenges due to recurring criticisms of their practices. This case could intensify scrutiny of the industry and its procedures.
Reward offered for the killer
The New York Police Department has requested public assistance, offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Additionally, the company is reviewing internal records to determine if there were prior threats against Thompson.
