Wales murder investigation remains active some 25 years after fatal shooting

Seattle - Just days before the 25^th anniversary of the unsolved murder of Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Wales, law enforcement leaders again urge members of the public to come forward if they have information that could help solve the case. Wales was shot and killed the night of October 11, 2001, as he worked on a computer in the basement of his Queen Anne neighborhood home. If Wales was killed because of his work as a federal prosecutor, it remains the only unsolved murder of a federal prosecutor because of his work.

The Department of Justice and the National Association of Former U.S. Attorneys are offering a $2.5 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a subject in this case.

"I still remember hearing about this murder twenty-five years ago while I was serving as an Army Judge Advocate at Fort Lewis. This crime had a tremendous impact on the entire U.S. Attorney community and we have not forgotten. The FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office continue to devote resources to this active investigation," said Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. "We are committed to using all tools available including new computer Super Intelligence to bring those responsible to justice. Now is the time to come forward if you have information that could prove useful in solving this case. The $2.5 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction is a real offer and should provide an incentive to do the right thing."

"For 25 years, the FBI has continued to actively pursue those responsible for the murder of AUSA Wales," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "Tom was one of us and a valued member of this community, which makes this a case that is especially important to both Seattle and law enforcement. An attack on a federal prosecutor is an attack on our entire justice system and the American way of life. If you have information about this case, now is the time to speak up. We are still receiving tips and pursuing all leads so that we can finally bring justice for Tom and his family. Don't let one of those tips bring the FBI to you before you can report what you know on your own terms."

Acting U.S. Attorney Floyd and Special Agent in Charge Herrington went to the former Wales home today to get a briefing. Those close to the investigation explained where they believe the shooter stood when firing the shots, what was the apparent escape route, and how the site has changed over the intervening 25 years, altering the landscape.

The Seattle Prosecutor Murder (SEPROM) Task Force is now a joint effort by the FBI, the Seattle Police Department, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington and the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The task force is also leveraging emerging and evolving technologies in the effort.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI and can do so confidentially by phone at (206) 622-0460 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Tips can also be sent to the FBI at 1110 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101. The FBI Seeking Information poster, details about the tip lines and more can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/thomas-crane-walesLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.. With more information about the case available here: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/wales-investigation-help-us-find-a-killer