New York hitman left messages on bullets

Clue in murder of insurance firm boss as cops release CCTV image

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

AN assassin who shot dead a multi-millionaire health insurance boss is believed to have etched chilling messages on the bullets he used to kill his target.

Detectives probing the death of Brian Thompson in New York are said to have uncovered shell casings at the scene inscribed with the words "delay" and "depose".

Police looking for a motive are exploring whether they point to a popular phrase in the insurance industry "delay, deny, defend", which refers to avoiding paying out claims.

Last night the killer remained at large. CCTV footage showed Mr Thompson, 50, being approached from behind and shot at least once in the back and once in the right calf on Wednesday.

VENDETTA

It has since emerged that the chief executive officer of UnitedHealth had been receiving recent threats, but had not been altering his travel routine.

His estranged wife Paulette Thompson said: "Yes, there had been some threats.

"Basically, I don't know, a lack of coverage? I don't know the details.

"I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him."