SEATTLE FBI OFFICE
Homicide Investigation
Assistant United States
Attorney
Thomas Crane Wales -
Deceased
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The
Federal Bureau of Investigation requests assistance in identifying Makarov
handguns that have been fitted with aftermarket replacement barrels. On the night of October 11, 2001, Assistant
United States Attorney THOMAS WALES was murdered in his Seattle, Washington,
home. The murderer stood outside of
Wales' home and shot him several times through a window as he worked at his
computer.
Forensics
has determined that the murder weapon was a Makarov semi-automatic handgun
fitted with an aftermarket barrel. The
Makarov (9x18mm) was manufactured by Soviet Block countries through
approximately 1968. The barrels in the
originally manufactured Makarovs were blued steel and rifled with four lands
and grooves a right twist. The
aftermarket barrels are stainless steel, rifled with six lands and grooves ,a
left twist, and available in three styles (see attached photos).
 |
Makarov semi-auto pistol with threaded replacement barrel affixed. |
 |
Muzzle-side view of replacement barrel rifling
(6 lands and grooves, left twist)
|
