Shell casings, fingerprints hyperlink UnitedHealthcare CEO homicide suspect Luigi Mangione to crime scene, NYPD says

New York – New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch mentioned Wednesday that the gun discovered on the suspect within the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO final week matched shell casings discovered on the web site of the taking pictures.

Tisch additionally mentioned that the fingerprints of Luigi Mangione, the person accused of killing Brian Thompson final week in New York Metropolis, matched these on a water bottle discovered not removed from the scene.

“First, we obtained the gun in query from Pennsylvania, which is now within the NYPD’s crime lab. We have been in a position to match that gun to the three shell casings we discovered downtown on the homicide scene,” Tish mentioned. “We have been additionally ready in our forensic laboratory to match the topic’s fingerprints to the fingerprints we discovered on the water bottle and KIND bar close to the downtown homicide scene.”

The gun is the primary piece of proof linking Maggioni to the crime, and the fingerprints on the water bottle are the primary constructive forensic match linking him to the scene the place Thompson was killed. He was shot dead outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel on December 4Sources say.

A senior police supply mentioned investigators consider additionally they discovered a espresso cup that the suspected gunman could have used at a Starbucks in Manhattan earlier than the taking pictures, and dusted it for fingerprints.

Mangione was arrested Monday in Pennsylvania and charged Counterfeiting and firearms violationsHe’s being held with out bail. He appeared in courtroom on Tuesday He objected to his extradition to New YorkHe’ll face prices of second-degree homicide.

“I simply wish to take this and say a particular thanks to these investigators who labored on the healthcare taking pictures, and the variety of hours they spent, across the clock, devoted to bringing this individual to justice, off the streets of America, particularly,” Mayor Eric Adams mentioned. “Get him off the streets of our metropolis, and we look ahead to prosecuting him to the fullest extent of the legislation.”

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed

Thompson, A 50-year-old father of twoHe was shot exterior a resort the place UnitedHealthcare was scheduled to carry its annual investor convention.

Tisch described the assault as a “deliberate, pre-planned and focused assault,” saying the gunman waited for a number of minutes earlier than taking pictures Thompson within the again and leg.

The police launched a manhunt for the suspect I started putting together a schedule. Investigators mentioned he fled the scene on a bicycle and headed to Central Park. Sources said they later found a backpack Which accommodates the Monopoly jacket and cash, however not the homicide weapon.

The largest break on this case got here from An inn on the Upper West Side where the gunman is believed to have stayed Within the days earlier than the taking pictures. He was seen in surveillance pictures reducing his masks after sources mentioned the lady on the entrance desk requested to “see his lovely smile.”

Police later He posted more photos showing him inside a taxiwhich they consider he took to the Port Authority bus station in higher Manhattan and boarded Greyhound. Investigators consider he left city instantly after the taking pictures and was touring round Pennsylvania earlier than his arrest.

It was noticed on Monday Inside a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvaniaabout 300 miles from the crime scene. consumer I recognized him and informed a staff memberWho known as the police.

Mangione was present in possession of a faux New Jersey ID card, believed to be the identical one he used to verify into the motel. He was initially arrested for forgery. The police searched his belongings and located A 3D printed ghost gun per these used within the taking pictures, in addition to a US passport, $8,000 in money and a handwritten observe.

Sources advised CBS Information investigators Referring to the memo as a claim of responsibility. They consider the suspect’s grievances towards UnitedHealthcare and different medical insurance corporations have been the motive for the killing.

Along with the observe, sources mentioned shell casings have been discovered on the scene Written on it were the words “delay” and “denial.”believed to be A reference used by critics of the insurance industry.

Who’s Luigi Mangione?

CBS Information has discovered the 26-year-old is coming From a prominent Maryland family. he He graduated from a private high school He obtained a grasp’s diploma in engineering From the University of Pennsylvania.

His household mentioned in a press release after his arrest: “Sadly, we can’t touch upon information experiences associated to Luigi Mangione. We solely know what we learn within the media. Our household is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest.” “We provide our prayers to Brian Thompson’s household and ask folks to wish for everybody concerned. We’re devastated by this information.”

Mangione was staying at a co-living house known as Surfbreak in Hawaii till 2022, when a group spokesperson mentioned he left on account of a lifelong again damage that was exacerbated by browsing and climbing. The spokesperson additionally mentioned they consider Mangione returned to Hawaii in 2023 and began a guide membership, which a number of members left on account of “discomfort in selecting books.”

Sources inform CBS Information that again ache has been a significant factor in his life and seems to be a supply of frustration.

“We all know he could have had an accident that brought about him to go to the emergency room on July 4, 2023,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kinney advised CBS Information New York’s Marcia Kramer.

In current months, posts tagged with Mangione on social media point out that he has misplaced contact along with his pals, with some asking the place he was and what he was doing, wishing him the very best, and hoping he was okay. His mom filed a lacking individuals report in November in San Francisco amid issues he wouldn’t be contacted.

Pat Milton

She contributed to this report.