who killed us attorney thomas wales

Who killed Thomas Crane Wales?

Thomas Crane Wales (June 23, 1952 – October 12, 2001) was an American federal prosecutor and gun control advocate who was the victim of an unsolved murder. In 2018, FBI investigators announced they strongly suspected the killing to have been carried out by a paid hitman .

Did a drug cartel assist in the murder of Thomas Wales?

The FBI is pursuing evidence suggesting that the longtime suspect in the 2001 shooting death of federal prosecutor Thomas Wales enlisted the help of a notorious drug cartel to arrange the killing, according to sources familiar with the case.

Is Thomas wales still alive today?

Thomas Crane Wales (June 23, 1952 – October 12, 2001) was an American federal prosecutor and gun control advocate who was the victim of an unsolved murder. In 2018, FBI investigators announced they strongly suspected the killing to have been carried out by a paid hitman . Thomas Wales was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

What happened to Michael Wales?

On the evening of Thursday, October 11, 2001, at approximately 10:40 p.m., Wales was sitting at his computer in his home office in his basement. A gunman avoided the security lights in Wales' backyard and shot him in the neck, through a window, with a handgun. The killer left shell casings behind.

What was the first line of duty murder of a federal prosecutor in U.S. history?

If the killing was related to his job, Wales would be the first line-of-duty murder of a federal prosecutor in U.S. history.

How much money did Shauers steal?

In a phone interview, Shauers told The Seattle Times the man also stole $10,000 to $15,000 in illegal drug proceeds from him, which he didn’t report to the sheriff’s office. Teresa Shauers, in an interview, said she believes the amount of money may have been higher. His current wife, Angela Shauers, said it was $25,000.

Was the Wales killing a revenge hit?

The FBI in recent years concluded that the Wales killing was a revenge hit, carried out on behalf of the commercial airline pilot who was once prosecuted by Wales for fraud. Since then, agents have focused on a “small group” of individuals, most living in Snohomish County, who they believe have knowledge of the killing.

Is the Wales murder a priority?

In a statement issued this past week, the FBI said the investigation of the Wales killing remains “a top priority” and that task force investigators have followed “thousands of investigative leads.”

Who was involved in the drug ring?

Among those involved in the drug ring was Jeffrey Shauers, a former midlevel distributor who court records show became a confidential informant and testified against the two Mexican drug importers.

Did the pilot shoot Wales?

Initially, the FBI pursued a theory that the pilot had shot Wales, but he had what appeared to be an alibi — that he was at home at the time of the shooting, on the phone, talking with someone who could verify the conversation.

Who was the prime suspect in the Wales slaying?

Still, investigators had managed to eliminate dozens of potential suspects – but not the Bellevue pilot, who had emerged as the prime suspect.

Where is the FBI investigating the Wales case?

A new look. In a major rebuke, FBI officials in Washington, D.C., shift responsibility for the Wales investigation from Seattle to Portland. The move overturned a decision by the bureau's Seattle office to reduce the number of agents investigating the slaying.

What gun did the gunman use in the 2003 shooting?

July 17, 2003. Ballistics tests showed that the gunman who killed Wales had used a Makarov, an Eastern European-made semiautomatic pistol. And that particular Makarov had been fitted with a replacement barrel that left telltale marks on the bullets fired from the gun.

What was the indictment for the Everett woman?

Federal prosecutors announced an indictment that could indicate a break in the 18-year-old investigation: An Everett woman was charged with obstruction of justice and lying to a grand jury about statements made to her by a suspect in the killing.

How many boxes did the FBI take away?

27 boxes in Bellevue. FBI agents went to the Bellevue home of the prime suspect, the pilot Wales prosecuted, and took away 27 boxes of potential evidence. The pilot, who owned as many as eight guns at one time, was not present when the FBI searched his home.

When was John McKay fired?

McKay fired. December 7, 2006. John McKay, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, is fired during the George W. Bush adminstration's controversial dismissal of seven U.S. Attorneys.

Who was the gunman in Queen Anne?

Inside, Thomas Wales, a Seattle federal prosecutor and anti-gun violence advocate, worked on his computer. The gunman fired several shots at the unsuspecting Wales, killing him. Wales was survived by an adult son and daughter.

Who was the prosecutor who was shot in the basement?

Thomas C. Wales was shot and killed in his Seattle home on Oct. 11, 2001. The 49-year-old federal prosecutor was shot several times with a handgun through a basement window by an unidentified shooter as he sat at his desk working on his computer. He succumbed to his injuries and died in the hospital the following day.

What is the reward for Thomas Wales?

A $2.5 million reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest in the murder of Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Wales, who was fatally shot through his basement window in Seattle on Oct. 11, 2001.

Was the prosecutor's murder a hitjob?

Authorities suspect, however, the federal prosecutor’s murder was likely a revenge hitjob, triggered by a courtroom grudge. In the years since Wales’ killing, the FBI have theorized that a commercial airline pilot hired a drug cartel to carry out the prosecutor’s assassination, the Seattle Times reported.

Overview

Death

On the evening of Thursday, October 11, 2001, at approximately 10:40 p.m., Wales was sitting at his computer in his home office in his basement. A gunman avoided the security lights in Wales' backyard and shot him in the neck, through a window, with a handgun. The killer left shell casings behind. The shots were heard by a neighbor who called 9-1-1. It has been reported that a lone male suspect was seen fleeing the scene.

Early life and education

Career

See also

External links