The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan last week has captured national attention not only because of the brutal nature of the act, but also because of the bizarre clues left behind.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman believes the items discovered in the aftermath of the murder, including a backpack full of Monopoly money, provide a disturbing insight into the mindset of a killer looking to convey a chilling message.
Lieberman believes the killer wanted to throw a stack of Monopoly bills over the 50-year-old Thompson’s body as he lay dying after being shot, but forgot to take them out of his backpack after the Dec. 4 shooting outside the Hilton Hotel.
As the manhunt for the masked gunman continues, the focus has shifted to the evidence recovered from the scene and nearby locations.
Among the items left behind were shell casings with the words “deny,” “defend” and “deposit,” phrases associated with common health care practices.
Days later, a backpack believed to belong to the suspect was found filled with Monopoly money.
Dr. Lieberman believes the clues are both a deliberate and sinister commentary on UnitedHealthcare and its business practices.
“The Monopoly money sends messages both that UnitedHealthcare is a rip-off that steals money from patients to pay its executives millions, and that it itself is a monopoly,” Lieberman said in an interview with The everyday beast.
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan last week has captured national attention not only because of the brutal nature of the act, but also because of the bizarre clues left behind.
Police found a backpack in Central Park allegedly filled with Monopoly money
The suspected shooter, complete with backpack, is seen in a Starbucks, on Sixth Avenue, before the shooting
“Maybe he intended to spread the Monopoly money around the CEO’s body after shooting him, but he forgot to take the bills out of his backpack.”
Lieberman’s interpretation of the Monopoly money further supports the theory that the suspect harbored a deep-seated animosity toward UnitedHealthcare.
Using symbols associated with greed and financial manipulation, the killer seemingly sought to expose the industry’s perceived injustices in the most dramatic way possible.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman believes the items discovered in the aftermath of the murder, including a backpack full of Monopoly money, provide a disturbing insight into the mindset of a killer looking to convey a chilling message.
Dr.’s analysis Lieberman points to a calculated and symbolic act intended to indict the healthcare industry.
“This wasn’t just about taking a life,” Lieberman said. “This was about sending a message – a deeply distorted, deeply calculated message.”
The sleeves, emblazoned with terms like “deny” and “defend,” could refer to insurance practices that some critics say put profit over patient care.
Police believe the suspect spent 10 days in New York, including Thanksgiving, and stayed at a Manhattan hostel while he planned the attack.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect fleeing to Central Park immediately after the murder, where additional evidence, including the backpack, was later recovered.
A forensic psychiatrist believes the killer wanted to spread the Monopoly money around the CEO’s body after he was shot but forgot to take the stack of banknotes out of his backpack
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside the Hilton on Wednesday morning
As Thompson staggered down the street, a witness in the hotel lobby sprinted away
New York Mayor Eric Adams said he is determined to find the killer.
Lieberman also emphasized the precision and foresight involved in carrying out such a high-profile crime during the holiday season.
“This was not an impulsive act,” she noted, adding that the suspect’s intent to distribute the Monopoly money indicates a premeditated plan to increase the symbolic weight of the crime.
Authorities are now trying to map the suspect’s movements and motivations.
A dive team has been deployed to search the waters of Central Park for more evidence, while detectives analyze the recovered items for possible forensic clues.
New York Mayor Eric Adams has vowed to bring the attacker to justice. “Let him continue to believe he can hide behind a mask,” Adams said. “We’re going to reveal who he is, and we’re going to bring him to justice.”