Federal Prosecutor Tom Wales killing remains an active investigation, Crime Stoppers says
Oct 16, 2026, 5:00 AM | Updated: 4:03 pm
Nearly 25 years after Seattle federal prosecutor Tom Wales was shot in his Queen Anne home, investigators are still working the case, Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound Executive Director Jim Fuda said.
Wales’ murder, which some believe was an assassination, is the focus of this week’s Cold Case Project.
Wales was a senior federal prosecutor in Seattle for nearly two decades. He graduated from Harvard Law School and became a U.S. attorney in 1983.
Fuda described him as “a white-collar crime prosecutor and an avid advocate for gun control.”
Before Wales was killed, he had prosecuted a helicopter company accused of violating federal aviation standards by converting Vietnam-era helicopters for civilian use. The company pleaded guilty to misdemeanor violations of FAA rules in 2001.
Investigators considered whether Tom Wales was followed home
Wales was shot in his basement office at about 10:40 p.m. and died the following day. Fuda said investigators have considered whether someone followed Wales or otherwise learned where he lived.
“This was 25 years ago, so we didn’t have the resources then that there are now to locate people,” Fuda said. “I’m guessing there must have been some surveillance on him that followed him home.”
Fuda also referred to a letter received in 2006 that, he said, indicated someone knew Wales’ wife was not home at the time.
The FBI, Seattle Police Department, Department of Justice and King County Prosecutor’s Office remain involved in the investigation. Fuda said officials have emphasized that it is still active.
“They wanted to stress the point that they are actively working this, that this is not a cold case at this point,” Fuda said.
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Reward of up to $2.5 million offered for tips in Tom Wales killing
He added that investigators believe someone with information may come forward.
“I think we should be getting a break in this. I would guess sooner rather than later,” Fuda said.
A reward of up to $2.5 million is available for information leading to an arrest.
“Somebody will most likely come forward with that price tag on it,” Fuda said.
Tips can be submitted to the FBI, Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-222-TIPS, or through the P3 Tips app.
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