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 #1Two gunmen armed with AK-47s on a motorcycle - identities and current whereabouts unknown
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What forensic evidence was recovered from the crime scene and Shrum's vehicle?
📞
contact
Lead #3Did Shrum have any known threats or security concerns prior to his death?
On March 18, 2012, United States citizen Joel Wesley Shrum was shot and killed by two gunmen on a motorcycle while driving to work in Ta'izz, Yemen. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed responsibility for the murder. The FBI seeks 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) - Washington D.C. Field Office
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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.
👤
person
Lead #4Were there any witnesses to the attack who could provide descriptions or additional details?
💡
clue
Lead #5What specific intelligence connects AQAP to this attack and are there any surviving members with knowledge of the operation?
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 driving to his place of employment in Ta'izz, Yemen when two gunmen armed with AK-47s on a motorcycle approached his vehicle and fired. Shrum was pronounced dead at the scene.
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:March 18, 2012
Last Updated:July 11, 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 11, 2026
Up to $5,000,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case