A 40-year-old man from Saratoga County, Shane Daley, has been charged with cyberstalking for sending threatening messages to the family of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, shortly after his murder in midtown Manhattan. According to federal prosecutors, Daley placed multiple calls to a family member’s work phone line and left voicemails containing explicit and harassing language, which included expressions of satisfaction regarding Thompson’s death. The accusations were detailed in a criminal complaint unsealed this week, highlighting Daley’s alleged actions as callous and intended to further traumatize the grieving family, which the U.S. Attorney described as a severe violation of public safety and an unacceptable act of harassment.
Thompson, who had served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare since 2021, was fatally shot in early December 2024. Authorities have identified Luigi Mangione as the suspect in the homicide and have charged him with murder. Mangione has since pleaded not guilty and is facing a separate trial for his alleged involvement in Thompson’s killing. While Daley is not accused of any role in the homicide, his actions following the murder have drawn significant attention due to the nature and timing of his threats.
Prosecutors have emphasized the severity of Daley’s alleged behavior, stating that his messages were not only threatening but also aimed at intensifying the pain of a family already dealing with the loss of their loved one. Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III described the case as an example of how individuals can exploit the vulnerability of grieving families, underscoring the need for strict enforcement of laws against cyberstalking and harassment. Similarly, Christopher G. Raia, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York Office, stated that the actions of Daley represent a serious threat to public safety, as they seek to intimidate victims and their families, which is a crime that will not be tolerated.
If convicted, Daley faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart in Albany. The FBI continues to investigate the case, with the prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal, Dominic A. Gentile, and Jun Xiang. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York and the FBI have not yet provided further comment on the case.
While the legal process unfolds, the case highlights the broader concerns surrounding online harassment and the potential for individuals to target vulnerable individuals in the aftermath of tragedies. It also brings to light the intersection of digital communication and criminal intent, emphasizing the importance of digital privacy and the legal frameworks surrounding cyberstalking. The incident has sparked discussions on the need for stronger protections for victims and their families, particularly in the wake of high-profile crimes like Thompson’s murder.
The family of Brian Thompson has been a focal point of public attention, with many expressing sympathy for their loss and calling for justice. The case against Daley serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for those who exploit the grief of others through harmful online behavior. As the trial of Luigi Mangione proceeds, the ongoing investigation into Daley’s actions underscores the complexities of modern criminal behavior and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing cyber-enabled harassment.