Michigan man accused of stabbing company boss in possible ‘copycat’ crime after UnitedHealthcare CEO murder

A shocking incident unfolded in Muskegon, Michigan, when Nathan Mahoney, a 32-year-old man, allegedly stabbed Erik Denslow, the president of Anderson Express Inc., during a staff meeting. The attack, which took place on Tuesday morning, left Denslow in serious but stable condition after undergoing surgery. Mahoney, who had only been working at the company for a few weeks, fled the scene but was apprehended by police 15 minutes later.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, with Deputy Chief Greg Poulson mentioning the possibility of a copycat motive, given the recent high-profile killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Denslow, who joined Anderson Express as vice president and general manager in January 2022 before being promoted to president, was described as having a good prognosis for recovery by the company.
Mahoney has been charged with assault with intent to murder and fleeing and is currently held in Muskegon County Jail on a $501,000 bond. The company expressed shock over the incident and emphasized their focus on supporting their employees through the aftermath of the senseless assault.
The eerie similarities between this attack and the murder of Brian Thompson in New York on December 4th by Luigi Mangione have raised concerns about potential copycat behavior. Mangione, who is facing first-degree murder charges in New York, was recently extradited from Pennsylvania to face trial. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in unexpected places.
As the investigation into the motive behind Mahoney’s actions continues, the community and the company are left grappling with the aftermath of a violent and senseless act. The impact of such incidents reverberates far beyond the immediate individuals involved, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in ensuring safety and security in the workplace and beyond.