Following the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4th, intriguing details have emerged surrounding the crime. Inscribed messages on the bullet casings and a potentially custom-made silencer suggest a premeditated act with a possible message. Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, addressed employees after the tragedy.

Words etched onto the ammunition – "deny," "depose," and "defend" – have led investigators to consider a possible link to Jay Feinman's 2010 book, "Delay. Deny. Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It." While a connection is being explored, neither Feinman nor the publisher could be reached for comment.

This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group)

Thompson's widow, Paulette, revealed that her husband had received prior death threats, possibly related to healthcare coverage issues, although the specifics remain unclear.

Alternatively, former D.C. homicide detective Ted Williams suggested the messages might be a deliberate attempt to mislead investigators. Surveillance footage captures the masked assailant approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. The apparent jamming of the weapon, believed to be equipped with a custom-made silencer, momentarily interrupted the attack.

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)

After the shooting, the suspect fled through Central Park on a bicycle. The NYPD is analyzing a discarded cellphone and a Starbucks cup found near the scene for potential DNA evidence. The investigation continues, with authorities meticulously piecing together evidence to identify the perpetrator.

Scene near the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, NY where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital)