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UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect, unmasked in new photos, believed to have left message on bullet casings

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UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect, unmasked in new photos, believed to have left message on bullet casings

The suspected gunman wanted in the broad daylight slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is seen smiling in new surveillance images released by the New York City Police Department on Thursday. 

The unknown man’s face is shown for the first time in the two new images the NYPD released as the manhunt continues for a second day. 

“With these new photos, if indeed they are the shooter, it is now only a matter of time,” Fox News crime analysis contributor Paul Mauro told Fox News Digital. “Facial recognition and other technologies have come a long way, and my understanding is that the police have been making progress on other fronts in this case. It is truer than ever that you can’t get away with murder these days. The detectives will get whoever is behind this, and soon.”

The NYPD was spotted searching a hostel on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and a Brazilian tourist staying there told Fox News he believes Thompson’s assassin was in the room next door to him. 

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The vice president of Hostelling International USA, which runs “HI New York City Hostel,” however, did not confirm the suspect stayed there. 

MANHUNT FOR UNITEDHEALTH CEO SHOOTING SUSPECT ENTERS SECOND DAY AS STARBUCKS VISIT DRAWS SCRUTINY

“We are fully cooperating with the NYPD and, as this is an active investigation, can not comment at this time,” Hostelling International USA Vice President Danielle Brumfitt Norris said in a statement. 

The floor design of the hostel appears to match that same black and white checkered pattern seen in the wanted photos shared by the NYPD. 

General view of the HI Hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, NY on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Jennifer Mitchell for Fox News Digital)

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New evidence also suggests that the suspect who killed Thompson on Wednesday may have left a message behind on the bullet casings at the scene.

A screenshot from surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows the alleged suspect wanted for the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (NYPD Crime Stoppers )

Police sources told the New York Post that the words “deny,” “depose” and “defend” were written on the live rounds and casings left behind by the assassin after the shooting.

A screenshot from surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows the alleged suspect wanted for the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.  (NYPD Crime Stoppers )

Evidence also shows that each bullet and casing had just one word written on it leading them to believe he may have been trying to leave a message, sources said. The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to strategies insurance companies use to try to avoid paying claims, the Associated Press reported.

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A member of the NYPD Crime Scene Unit takes a picture of a shell casing found at the scene where the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was killed. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

In a shocking video obtained by Fox News Digital, Thompson is seen walking down a New York City sidewalk when a masked man wearing a black hooded jacket and a backpack walks up behind him and raises a handgun.

SECURITY RAMPED UP FOR ANNUAL ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AFTER GUNMAN KILLED UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO

PHOTOS OF SUSPECT INSIDE STARBUCKS:

The culprit fired off several shots. At one point, the gun appeared to jam. The assailant then appeared to smack the gun on the side while walking toward the victim, who was attempting to get away.

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Scene near the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, NY where a man was shot to death Wednesday morning, according to police. The victim is reported to be 50 year-old, Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare. (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital)

Following the shooting, the suspect walked between two vehicles, got onto a bike, then disappeared into Central Park, the NYPD said.

It was previously reported that the suspect used a Citi Bike – which can be tracked – but the NYPD has clarified that the incident did not involve that type of bike.

JOHN WALSH EXPLAINS WHY HE DOESN’T THINK UNITED HEALTHCARE CEO WAS KILLED BY A PRO | FOX NEWS VIDEO

Surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows the alleged suspect wanted for the shooting death of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (NYPD )

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Investigators hope accompanying evidence left behind will help identify him, including a cellphone discovered in an alleyway near the hotel where the shooting occurred as well as a cup in a trash can at a nearby Starbucks. 

A surveillance image released by the NYPD shows the suspect in the shooting death of United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. (NYPD Crimestoppers)

UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing their condolences and surprise at the day’s events.

This 2017 file photo of Brian Thompson was released via Businesswire when he was named Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare Unit in 2017. (Businesswire)

“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”

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Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA. Tips can also be submitted on the Crime Stoppers website by visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.com.

Fox News’ Tamara Gitt and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Woman killed by driver while crossing PCH in Long Beach

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Woman killed by driver while crossing PCH in Long Beach

A woman was struck and killed by a driver while crossing the street on Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach.

On June 3, the female pedestrian was using the crosswalk at Pacific Coast Highway and Pacific Avenue around 4:50 a.m.

She had walked against a red light and was hit by a 19-year-old driver in a Chevy sedan, Long Beach police said.

Despite lifesaving efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

A woman was struck and killed by a driver while crossing Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach on June 3, 2026. (Long Beach Police Department)

“At this time, impaired driving, distracted driving and excessive speed are not believed to be a factor in this collision,” police said.

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The woman’s name is being withheld pending identification by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information on the incident is asked to call Detective Joseph Johnson at 562-570-7355. 

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Man wanted for deadly Los Angeles road rage shooting extradited from Mexico

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Man wanted for deadly Los Angeles road rage shooting extradited from Mexico

A man wanted for a deadly road rage shooting in Los Angeles was arrested and extradited from Mexico after fleeing the U.S. in 2024.

The suspect was identified as Christian Rojas, 21, of Bellflower, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities had been searching for him since the deadly incident on October 10, 2024. 

Rojas and a second suspect, Joshua Rojas Sr., 47, of Downey, were driving on the northbound 5 Freeway in Boyle Heights around 4 p.m. when they became involved in an altercation with another driver that escalated into a shooting.

  • Video obtained exclusively by KTLA shows the terrifying moment a road rage suspect opened fire the driver of another car on the 5 Freeway in Los Angeles, fatally wounding him and seriously injuring a passenger, on Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: @hugoboss01)
  • Video obtained exclusively by KTLA shows the terrifying moment a road rage suspect opened fire the driver of another car on the 5 Freeway in Los Angeles, fatally wounding him and seriously injuring a passenger, on Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: @hugoboss01)
  • Video obtained exclusively by KTLA shows the terrifying moment a road rage suspect opened fire the driver of another car on the 5 Freeway in Los Angeles, fatally wounding him and seriously injuring a passenger, on Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: @hugoboss01)
  • Video obtained exclusively by KTLA shows the terrifying moment a road rage suspect opened fire the driver of another car on the 5 Freeway in Los Angeles, fatally wounding him and seriously injuring a passenger, on Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: @hugoboss01)
  • Christian Rojas, 21, of Bellflower, was arrested and extradited to the U.S. from Mexico on June 2, 2026, in connection with a deadly road rage shooting in Los Angeles. (California Highway Patrol)

Video of the tense confrontation showed the suspects, who were driving a Dodge Durango SUV, opening fire on two men in a Cadillac sedan. 

The shooting forced the victim to pull over abruptly. That’s when a suspect ran up to the Cadillac, opened the passenger-side door and fired several shots at close range.

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In a panic, the Cadillac driver tried to escape by making a sudden U-turn and driving against oncoming traffic. He eventually crashed head-on into several vehicles.

The suspects ditched their SUV and fled toward a freeway exit on foot. The Cadillac driver was left with serious injuries and his passenger was killed. Their identities were not released.

The incident caused a miles-long backup that left thousands of motorists stranded on the freeway for hours and authorities worked to clear the scene.

Following an extensive investigation, detectives identified the two men as the suspects involved. 

Joshua Rojas Sr. was arrested in San Bernardino on October 22, 2024, on a murder charge. He remains in custody awaiting trial.

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Meanwhile, Christian Rojas had fled the U.S. and was hiding in Mexico, detectives said. A $4.3 million bail warrant was issued for his arrest. 

“Through a coordinated international effort, investigators determined that Rojas was living in Palomo de Arriba, Mexico,” CHP officials said. “The U.S. Marshals Service worked with Mexican state police to locate and arrest him on the outstanding warrant.”

On June 2, 2026, Christian was arrested and extradited to the U.S. to face a murder charge. 

“This arrest demonstrates that time and distance will not shield violent offenders from justice,” said CHP Southern Division Chief Chris Margaris. “For nearly two years, our detectives remained relentless in their pursuit of those responsible for this senseless act of violence. Through exceptional collaboration with the United States Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners in Mexico, we located and apprehended this suspect and brought him back to face the charges. We remain committed to protecting the public, supporting victims and their families, and holding violent criminals accountable wherever they may try to hide.”

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Los Angeles, Ca

NB 405 Freeway closed near LAX after pursuit ends in gunfire

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NB 405 Freeway closed near LAX after pursuit ends in gunfire

The northbound 405 Freeway will remain closed for several hours near Los Angeles International Airport after a police pursuit ended with officers opening fire Friday morning. Unconfirmed reports indicated the incident began with a robbery at a 7-Eleven store, which ended with Los Angeles Police Department officers pursuing the suspect in a Kia. The chase […]

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