Following the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, investigators are meticulously examining his personal connections, including family and friends, as they seek to uncover a motive, according to a former NYPD officer. Ralph Cilento, a retired lieutenant commander of detectives and current professor of police science, emphasized the statistical likelihood of homicide victims knowing their assailants.

"In most homicide cases, the victim knows the perpetrator," Cilento explained. "The percentage is incredibly high, nearing 90%. Therefore, beyond the standard forensic analysis of the crime scene, investigators delve deeply into the victim's life."

Cilento suggested that even if the victim didn't directly know the suspect, a connection could exist through an intermediary, such as someone hiring an assassin. He described the investigative approach as starting with the victim and expanding outward in concentric circles, often revealing the perpetrator within that network.

The timing of the shooting, on the morning of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, added another layer of complexity. Cilento pointed out that NYPD deployments for such large events begin the night before, increasing police presence in the area. He described the shooting as a "brazen act" given the heightened security. The investigation now involves reviewing extensive body camera footage from officers in the vicinity, a task Cilento acknowledged as "enormous, painstaking, and tedious."

A team of investigators is also working at Thompson's residence near Minneapolis, meticulously examining his communications – emails, interactions with family, current and former employees – to identify any potential threats or conflicts. "Understanding the victim is crucial to generating leads," Cilento stated. "Every avenue needs exploration, including potential disputes over healthcare coverage denials."

While the suspect's use of a fake ID and cash at a Manhattan hostel presents a challenge, Cilento believes it's a temporary obstacle. He expressed confidence that the substantial resources dedicated to the case, including teams reviewing video footage and body camera recordings, will ultimately lead to the suspect's apprehension. "His days are numbered," Cilento affirmed, emphasizing the extensive efforts underway to track the suspect's movements and identify him.