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Thomas Wales was a federal prosecutor in Washington State for nearly 20 years. In October 2001, while working late in his home office in Queen Anne, he was struck with gunshots fired through the basement window from his own backyard. Tom died at hospital several hours later. At the scene of the crime, local authorities immediately proclaimed the murder an assassination. The murder had been quick and there were very few clues. Only shell casings were left at the scene. In the wake of 9-11, state and federal resources were scarce and the investigation into his murder made a rocky start. Eventually the FBI took charge and began tracking down every possible lead based on potential motives. Tom was an outspoken activist on a number of issues, primarily gun control. Through his unapologetic political positions, he had a name for himself state-wide as well as some enemies. Additionally, 18 years as a prosecutor meant a long history of convictions which could serve as a potential motive. After a development and related indictment 2019, the FBI finally leaked to the public a theory of the crime; one that involves a suspect first identified in the initial weeks of the investigation in 2001, a hired hitman and a Mexican drug cartel. The reward for information in this case has risen from $25,000 in October 2001 to $2,500,000 in October 2021 The case remains open, and active. Tips: walestips@fbi.gov Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justthoughtlounge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justthoughtlounge/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoungeThought Theme music by Audio Hertz, Luck Witch via YouTube music Pastebin (for sources): https://pastebin.com/Zaqbyist