The person at the center of this case
Joel Wesley Shrum
Cold Case · Open
14 years waiting · since 2012
JOEL WESLEY SHRUM
Justice for Joel Wesley Shrum — the trail went cold in 2012, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Who were the two gunmen on the motorcycle, and what were their specific identities and affiliations within AQAP?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What intelligence exists regarding the planning, coordination, and execution of the attack by AQAP operatives?
👁️
witness
Lead #3Were there any eyewitnesses to the shooting who could provide descriptions or additional details about the attackers?
On March 18, 2012, United States citizen Joel Wesley Shrum was shot and killed by two gunmen on a motorcycle in Ta'izz, Yemen, while driving to his workplace at the International Training and Development Center. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed responsibility for the murder, though the specific identities of the attackers and their precise motives remain unknown. The FBI continues to seek information leading to the arrest or conviction of those responsible, with a reward of up to $5,000,000 offered through the Rewards for Justice Program.
Case
#482
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) / U.S. Department of State
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
📞
contact
Lead #4Who had knowledge of Shrum's daily routine and route to work that may have been shared with the attackers?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Murder Victim Ta'izz, Yemen March 18, 2012 On March 18, 2012, United States citizen Joel Wesley Shrum was driving to his place of employment in Ta’izz, Yemen, when two gunmen armed with AK-47s approached Shrum’s vehicle on a motorcycle and fired on the vehicle. Shrum was pronounced dead at the scene.
Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed responsibility for the murder. At the time of his death, Shrum worked at the International Training and Development Center as an administrator and English teacher.
He was living in Yemen with his wife and two young children.
Timeline of Events
👤
2012-03-18
Murder of Joel Wesley Shrum
Joel Wesley Shrum was shot and killed by two gunmen armed with AK-47s on a motorcycle while driving to his workplace in Ta'izz, Yemen. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:March 18, 2012
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Up to $5,000,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:March 18, 2012
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Up to $5,000,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case