Widely recognized as a tenacious and dedicated prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Wales was brutally murdered in his home on October 11, 2001, in Seattle, Washington. Despite the passage of more than 16 years, the FBI and Seattle Police Department remain committed to solving the case and bringing closure to the Wales family.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein joined U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes, Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, the Wales family, the National Association of Former United States Attorneys Foundation, and other law enforcement partners in Seattle today to bring continued and deserved attention to the ongoing investigation. The event served as a poignant reminder of the importance of solving the case and the need for the public’s assistance in providing information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Wales’ murder.
The Department of Justice remains committed to a reward of up to one million dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. In addition to and separate from the Department’s reward, the National Association of Former United States Attorneys Foundation President Mike McKay announced that his organization is offering up to a $525,000 reward to the same individuals as the Justice Department for information leading to the Department’s prosecution of those responsible for Wales’ murder.
“Any attack on a law enforcement officer is an attack on our entire justice system,” Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein said. “The Wales family has shown incredible strength, courage, and devotion. As Deputy Attorney General, I intend to see that we leave no stone unturned in the search for the killer who murdered Tom Wales. We will continue to pursue this case for as long as it takes to achieve justice. The killer will be held accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes echoed Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein’s sentiments, stating, “The murder of Tom Wales more than 16 years ago remains an affront to the rule of law and a devastating loss to all who knew Tom and the community he so loyally served.” Hayes continued, “I am deeply grateful to the National Association of Former United States Attorneys and their foundation for establishing a separate reward in this case. As the Department of Justice has made clear time and again — we will never rest until justice is done in this case.”
A task force led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Seattle Police Department continues to work actively and intensively on the case. The investigative team has been able to successfully investigate thousands of leads and continues to devote resources to focused investigative avenues. In just the last 12 months, the investigative team has served nearly 50 new subpoenas and has pursued approximately 100 leads.
Investigators believe that there are people who have information and hope that the significant reward provides an additional incentive for coming forward. The task force asks the public to help partner in its efforts for justice, and closure for the Wales family. The Seattle Prosecutor Murder (SEPROM) Task Force is a joint effort by the FBI, the Seattle Police Department, the Justice Department, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. It includes agents, detectives, analysts, two Justice Department prosecutors, a King County prosecutor, and FBI personnel assisting in the investigation.
As the investigation continues, the FBI and Seattle Police Department urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing closure to the Wales family. The significant reward, combined with the tireless efforts of the investigative team, serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice for Tom Wales is far from over.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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