Why Is the FBI Offering USD 2 Million Reward in the 2001 Killing of Prosecutor Thomas Crane Wales?
Assistant US Attorney Thomas Crane Wales was shot and killed in his Seattle home on October 11, 2001, while working at his desk. The high-profile murder remains actively investigated by the FBI, which offers a USD 2 million reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Scroll below to know more about the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Crane Wales was shot and killed inside his Seattle home on October 11, 2001, in a high-profile homicide that remains one of the longest-running active investigations in the Pacific Northwest. Federal investigators continue to seek information regarding the targeted killing of the veteran federal prosecutor, with the Department of Justice offering a reward of up to USD 2 million for details leading to an arrest and conviction.
Details of the 2001 Homicide
According to FBI case records, the incident occurred at approximately 10:40 PM on the night of October 11, 2001. Wales, who served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington for more than 18 years, was seated at his basement desk typing on his computer when an assailant approached the home. FBI Adds Goldy Brar Aka Satinderjeet Singh to 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List; Announces USD 1 Million Reward.
2001 Murder of Assistant US Attorney Thomas Crane Wales
On the night of October 11, 2001, at approximately 10:40 p.m., Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Thomas Crane Wales was killed in his home in Seattle, Washington. The shooter stood in the backyard shot AUSA Wales several times through a basement window as he sat at his desk typing on his computer. The #FBI seeks information regarding this crime and a reward of up to $2,000,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his murder: https://t.co/zIosLh9Dvr
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) October 11, 2026
The shooter stood in the backyard and fired several rounds through a basement window. Investigators established that a lone male suspect was seen fleeing the immediate area following the gunfire. Wales succumbed to his injuries at a hospital the following day.
Background and Professional Career
Born in 1952, Thomas Crane Wales grew up in Southborough, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard University in 1974 before earning his law degree from Hofstra Law School, where he served as editor-in-chief of the law review. In 1983, Wales joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle, specialising primarily in fraud and white-collar crime prosecutions. Outside of his prosecutorial duties, he was actively involved in local civic organisations, serving on the Seattle Planning Commission and the Mayor's Citizen Advisory Committee. He is survived by two adult children. Vladimir Putin Wants Peace More Than Volodymyr Zelensky, Says Donald Trump.
Ongoing Investigation and Reward
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, alongside local law enforcement partners, continues to pursue leads in the case. Investigators have focused analytical efforts on specific evidentiary leads, including information related to a Makarov pistol and historical witness descriptions. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the local FBI field office or submit anonymous tips online. Federal officials maintain a dedicated reporting channel at walestips@fbi.gov.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2026 07:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
