Investigators found ammunition used by a masked gunman to kill United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson had the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” etched into the shell casings, according to The Associated Press.
Law enforcement believe the messages on the 9 mm ammunition could be a reference to security strategies used to not pay insurance claims, though police are still working to identify the shooter and the motive behind the Manhattan murder.
The findings are likely to increase scrutiny on the possibility that the killing of Thompson was linked to anger over insurance claims.
Camera footage showed the suspect loitering outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown, waiting for his target.
“Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference Wednesday.
After firing several shots at Thompson, the suspect fled on a bike.
Detectives said the footage shows the gunman had experience firing weapons.
“From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms, as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said, according to AP.
The police department released photos of the suspect, who was wearing a hoodie and face covering.
Officials are now offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
