Man Charged for Threatening Voicemails Following CEO’s Murder

An Upstate New York man was arrested after leaving threatening voicemails to the wife of a recently slain CEO, shortly after his murder in Midtown.

Shane Daley, 40, from Saratoga County, left three alarming messages on the work phone of a woman in Minnesota—identified as the wife of the CEO—on December 4, 2024. In these messages, Daley expressed satisfaction about the killing and made derogatory comments about the CEO’s actions, accusing him of profiting at the expense of the poor.

In one voicemail, Daley proclaimed, “Your family member got lit the f–k up because he’s a f–king asshole,” and later claimed that Thompson’s children deserved to die as well. Despite later admitting to drinking while making the calls, Daley initially denied that he was responsible.

The criminal complaint reveals that Daley mocked Paulette Thompson, the victim’s wife, who described her husband as “an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest.” Daley’s third voicemail ridiculed her statement and reiterated his hatred for the slain CEO, whom he called “deserving to f–king die.”

Daley made a final call on December 7, leaving a message wishing suffering upon the Thompson family and again stating that the CEO deserved to die. Authorities traced these messages to Daley’s phone, and an FBI agent confirmed his voice during an interview.

Daley faces up to five years in prison if convicted of cyberstalking charges. He appeared in Albany federal court but has not entered a plea yet. His attorney did not immediately comment.

The CEO, Brian Thompson, was fatally shot on December 4 as he attended an investor conference, in what prosecutors describe as a targeted attack driven by anti-industry sentiments. Luigi Mangione, 27, was charged with his murder after an extensive manhunt and remains in custody, pleading not guilty.

FBI officials emphasized the disturbing nature of Daley’s calls, stating they further traumatized Thompson’s family during their time of grief. Federal prosecutors reaffirmed their commitment to bringing individuals responsible for stalking and harassment to justice.