UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot in a targeted attack outside the New York Hilton Midtown. Shell casings at the scene bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.”

The masked gunman, still at large, approached Thompson from behind and fired multiple shots before fleeing.

Thompson, en route to speak at an investor conference, had received prior threats but did not travel with security.

Authorities are investigating the motive, with evidence suggesting a possible personal vendetta linked to his role at UnitedHealthcare, NBC News has reported.

Police recovered discarded items from the gunman for further investigation.

Written by B.C. Begley