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A man from Saratoga County is facing federal charges for allegedly harassing the grieving family of Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO who was shot in midtown Manhattan last year.
Shane Daley, aged 40 and residing in Galway, New York, was arrested on Wednesday on charges of cyberstalking. Federal prosecutors allege that he sent threatening voicemail messages to a family member of Thompson shortly after the tragic incident.
Details of the Allegations
Between December 4 and December 7, 2024, Daley allegedly called a work phone used by a member of Thompson’s family multiple times, starting just hours after Thompson’s murder. In a series of alarming voicemail messages, Daley reportedly expressed satisfaction over the nature of Thompson’s death and warned that Thompson’s children deserved to experience a similar fate. These claims come from a criminal complaint that was unsealed on Wednesday.
Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III addressed the case, stating, “Daley, as alleged, gleefully welcomed this tragedy and did all that he could to increase the Thompson family’s pain and suffering.”
Officials Respond to the Disturbing Actions
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, emphasized that Daley’s behavior was unacceptable. He remarked, “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, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York Office, added context to the severity of the allegations: “The recurrent calls and messages in the days following Brian Thompson’s murder were more than callous and cold-hearted harassment. They were threatening and terrified a family already suffering following the violent death of their loved one.”
Punishment for Cyberstalking
If convicted on the charges of cyberstalking, Daley could face a maximum prison sentence of five years, along with a fine reaching up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to three years. He is scheduled for arraignment at 2 p.m. Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart in Albany.
Brian Thompson, who served as UnitedHealthcare’s CEO since 2021, was fatally shot in early December 2024, shocking the community and the healthcare industry at large.
The Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have named Luigi Mangione as the primary suspect in the homicide, with Mangione having pleaded not guilty. Notably, Daley does not face any accusations related to Thompson’s murder; instead, he is solely charged with harassing a family member in the aftermath.
The FBI continues to investigate the case thoroughly. Leading the prosecution are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal from the Northern District of New York, along with Dominic A. Gentile and Jun Xiang from the Southern District of New York.
Strengthening Public Safety Measures
This case underscores the critical need for protective measures for victims and their families in the wake of violent crimes. The federal response in emphasizing the seriousness of cyberstalking as a tool for intimidation reflects a growing awareness of how digital harassment can exacerbate the trauma experienced by those affected by violence.
Even as the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains vigilant against acts of intimidation, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York and the FBI did not immediately respond to requests for further comments regarding this case, leaving many to ponder the ramifications of cyber harassment in today’s digital age.
