A Florida woman, Briana Boston, 42, has been charged with threatening a health insurance company after a phone call in which she used the same words found on bullet casings linked to a murder in New York. The phrase “delay, deny, depose” has been associated with an alleged murder, sparking concern and leading to her arrest.
The Threatening Call
According to Lakeland police, Boston made the threatening statement during a phone call with a Blue Cross Blue Shield representative on Tuesday. The call was a follow-up to a denial of her insurance claim. As the conversation ended, Boston allegedly told the representative, “Delay, deny, depose. You people are next.”
The phrase “delay, deny, depose” is closely linked to a strategy used by insurance companies, as it reflects the process of delaying decisions, denying claims, and defending against claims. It was notably written on bullet casings found at the scene of a shooting that killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City on December 4.
Connection to New York Murder
The words spoken by Boston eerily mirrored those found on the casings left at the scene of Thompson’s murder. The case of Thompson’s killing has drawn widespread attention, with 26-year-old Luigi Mangione being charged with the crime.
When questioned by police, Boston claimed she used the words because they were “in the news right now.” She also stated she owned no firearms and added that insurance companies were “evil” and “deserve karma.”
Arrest and Charges
Following her threatening remarks, Boston was arrested and charged with threatening to commit an act of terrorism. This charge is a second-degree felony, carrying a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison if she is convicted.
Boston is being held without bail at the Polk County jail, and it remains unclear whether she has legal representation.
Legal Proceedings
The investigation into Boston’s threats is ongoing. Police have expressed concern over the gravity of her statements, especially in light of the connection to the recent murder in New York. Court records indicate that Boston’s case is still in the early stages, with no further developments on her legal defense as of now.
