A mysterious backpack discovered in New York's Central Park has added an unusual twist to the high-profile assassination investigation of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

According to Daily Mail, investigators found a backpack containing Monopoly money and a jacket between boulders near the park's carousel, though the murder weapon was notably absent from its contents.

Police divers were spotted searching the waters near Bethesda fountain on Saturday as part of their expanding investigation into Wednesday's targeted attack.

The search area has widened as authorities piece together the killer's escape route through surveillance footage and witness accounts.

Suspect's Identity Known But Undisclosed

New York Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed that investigators have identified the suspect but are strategically withholding the name from the public. The decision aims to prevent tipping off the perpetrator who remains at large.

The NYPD has mapped out the suspect's movements following the shooting, tracking his path through surveillance cameras. After gunning down Thompson at 6:48 AM, the killer entered Central Park and emerged on 77th Street at 6:56 AM.

The suspect was later captured on video near 86th Street and Columbus Avenue while still on his bicycle. By 7:30 AM, surveillance footage showed him boarding a bus at the Port Authority terminal and leaving the city.

Investigation Reveals Key Details

Police have determined the suspect arrived in New York from Atlanta in late November and stayed at an Upper West Side hostel. A brief interaction with a hostel worker provided investigators their first clear look at the suspect's face when he lowered his mask.

Before the shooting, the suspect was recorded buying nutrition bars and water at a Starbucks near the Hilton Hotel, where Thompson was killed. One of these bars was visible in the recovered backpack's side pocket.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny suggested the killer could be either a disgruntled former employee or an angry client. Adding to the investigation's intrigue, bullet casings found at the scene bore inscriptions reading "deny," "depose," and "delay."

Federal Involvement Intensifies Search

The FBI has joined the manhunt, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. Mayor Adams emphasized the determination to bring the suspect to justice, stating:

Let him continue to believe he can hide behind the mask. We revealed his face. We're going to reveal who he is and we're going to bring him to justice.

The investigation has expanded beyond New York City limits after surveillance footage showed the suspect departing via bus.

The shooter's calculated escape plan included multiple transportation changes, starting with an electric bike and ending at the Port Authority bus terminal.

Tracking The Assassin's Trail

The murder of 50-year-old Brian Thompson, a father of two, occurred in the early morning hours of Wednesday when he was fatally shot outside a Manhattan hotel.

The killer, who arrived from Atlanta in November, meticulously planned the assassination and managed to flee the city within hours of the shooting.

A multi-agency investigation continues as authorities analyze evidence from the recovered backpack, underwater searches, and extensive surveillance footage. While investigators know the suspect's identity, they maintain strategic silence as the manhunt enters its fourth day.

Why This Story Matters

This story underscores the vulnerabilities that even high-ranking individuals face and illustrates the complex intersections of personal security, workplace relations, and public safety. It emphasizes the necessity for vigilant security measures and comprehensive surveillance in preventing and solving such crimes.

In conclusion, this tragic event has unfolded layers of investigative detail from high-tech surveillance to underwater searches and has captured the well-coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies. It remains a poignant reminder of the need for rigorous security and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of heinous crimes.