FBI Arrests NY Man for Threatening Voicemails to Murdered CEO’s Family

A New York man faces federal cyberstalking charges after allegedly terrorizing the grieving family of murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson with vicious voicemails celebrating his death and threatening his children.

Shane Daley, 40, of Galway, New York, was arrested Wednesday following an eight-month FBI investigation. Prosecutors allege Daley left multiple threatening voicemails for a Thompson family member between December 4 and 7, 2024 – mere hours after Thompson was fatally shot outside Manhattan’s Hilton Midtown while attending an investor conference.

How Did the FBI Track Down the Cyberstalker?
The FBI investigation leveraged critical digital evidence to pinpoint Daley. According to the criminal complaint filed in the Northern District of New York, agents traced the threatening calls’ location data directly to Daley’s Saratoga County residence. This digital trail led to a search warrant executed on Daley’s phone on July 30, 2025.

During questioning, Daley initially denied placing the calls but later conceded it was possible he made them. The messages, described by Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III as “vicious and outrageous,” included explicit threats. Prosecutors cite one voicemail where Daley allegedly stated: “Your [family member] got lit the f— up cause he’s a f—— asshole.” Another message chillingly declared: “You all deserve to f—— die and burn in hell. F— you. F— your f—— kids” (Criminal Complaint, August 2025; ABC News report, August 13, 2025).

Impact on a Family in Crisis
The harassment inflicted profound additional trauma on Thompson’s family during an unimaginable time. Thompson, 50, was survived by his wife, Paulette “Pauley” Thompson, 51, and their two children. The threatening calls targeted a work phone line used by a family member residing in Minnesota.

Sarcone emphasized the cruelty of Daley’s alleged actions: “Brian Thompson was gunned down in midtown Manhattan. Daley, as alleged, gleefully welcomed this tragedy and did all that he could to increase the Thompson family’s pain and suffering. My office will do everything possible to hold him accountable.” (DOJ Statement, August 14, 2025). Luigi Mangione, 27, remains in custody facing murder and terrorism charges for Thompson’s killing.

Legal Consequences and Next Steps
Daley faces one count of cyberstalking, which carries a maximum penalty of:

• 5 years in federal prison
• A fine of up to $250,000
• Up to 3 years of supervised release

Following an initial court appearance, Daley was released under strict conditions. He must wear a GPS monitoring device, refrain from alcohol consumption, and is prohibited from possessing firearms. His case returns to court Thursday for additional release condition discussions.

The FBI’s commitment to pursuing those who exploit technology to terrorize victims, especially amidst tragedy, sends a clear message: such cowardly acts will be met with the full force of federal law.

Must Know

1. Who was arrested by the FBI and why?
   The FBI arrested Shane Daley, 40, of Galway, New York. He is charged with cyberstalking for allegedly sending multiple threatening voicemails to a family member of murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shortly after Thompson’s killing in December 2024.
2. What did the threatening voicemails say?
   According to the federal complaint, the voicemails contained graphic threats and expletives. Daley allegedly expressed satisfaction with Thompson’s murder and threatened the lives of Thompson’s children, stating they “deserve to die and burn in hell” and “deserved to meet the same violent end.”
3. How did the FBI identify Shane Daley?
   FBI investigators used location data from the threatening calls to trace them back to Daley’s home in Saratoga County, New York. This evidence led to a search warrant for his phone in late July 2025, corroborating the allegations.
4. What is Shane Daley charged with and what is the penalty?
   Daley is charged with one count of cyberstalking. If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
5. What is Shane Daley’s current status?
   Daley was released from custody following his initial court appearance but is under strict supervision. Conditions include wearing a GPS monitoring device, a ban on alcohol, and prohibition from possessing firearms. He is due back in court for further proceedings.
6. Who was Brian Thompson and what happened to him?
   Brian Thompson, 50, was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. He was shot and killed in a targeted attack outside the Hilton Midtown in Manhattan on December 4, 2024, while heading to an investor conference. Luigi Mangione faces murder and terrorism charges for the killing.