A New York man has been charged with cyberstalking after allegedly sending menacing messages to the widow of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was tragically killed.
Shane Daley, aged 40, was apprehended on Wednesday following accusations of leaving threatening voicemails on Paulette Thompson's work phone, as detailed in a recently unsealed criminal complaint.
In a voicemail dated December 4, 2024, the very day of Thompson's murder, Daley allegedly declared, Your [family member] got lit the f*** up cause hes a f****** asshole. According to One America News, Daley further disparaged Brian Thompson, labeling him a f****** capitalist pig and attributing his death to his alleged exploitation of impoverished Americans.
Daley's messages continued with a chilling warning: This s*** is gonna keep happening to you f****** p*****. You all deserve to f****** die and burn in hell. He also expressed satisfaction over Thompson's murder, suggesting that his children should meet a similar fate.
The tragic incident occurred when Thompson was shot outside a midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024, as he was en route to an investor conference. Luigi Mangione, 27, has been charged with the murder, which appears to have been politically motivated.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, condemned Daley's actions, stating, As alleged, Daley threatened and harassed a grieving family in the immediate aftermath of a loved ones murder. These selfish, harmful and callous actions undermine public safety and will not be tolerated. This office, together with our law enforcement partners, will pursue and prosecute those who seek to intimidate victims and their families.
Christopher G. Raia, assistant director of the FBIs New York Office, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the severity of Daley's alleged harassment: Shane Daley allegedly repeatedly harassed the grieving family of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare gunned down in New York City. The recurrent calls and messages in the days following Brian Thompsons murder were more than callous and cold-hearted harassment. They were threatening a terrified a family already suffering following the violent death of their loved one.
Daley now faces the prospect of a five-year prison term and a fine reaching $250,000. It is important to note that he is not accused of direct involvement in Thompson's murder. His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart.
This case underscores the broader societal issue of politically motivated violence and the need for a robust legal response to threats against individuals and families.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the Thompson family and addressing the broader implications of such acts of intimidation.
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