A $1,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest in the unsolved murder of 23-year-old John Austin Schuoler in Kirkland, Washington, nearly 20 years after he was killed.
Schuoler was found dead in his apartment on 15 September 2006. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that he had died from blunt-force trauma, and no one has been charged in connection with the case.
According to investigators, Schuoler spent the previous day off work meeting a friend for lunch, shopping in nearby Bellevue and returning home at about 7pm. Friends and his flatmate were at the apartment until around 10pm, after which Schuoler continued using his phone and laptop.
His flatmate found him in his bedroom the following day. Police said there was no sign of forced entry, while a hunter-green, army-style canvas backpack bought from outdoor retailer REI was missing.
The Kirkland Police Department added the case to a cold-case webpage launched in October 2025, appealing for information that could help identify the killer. Police have said the investigation remains active.
Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound director Jim Fuda said the organisation hoped the financial incentive would encourage someone with information to come forward, possibly after keeping silent for years.
Schuoler’s aunt, Katie Walker, said the family wanted answers and urged anyone who knew what happened on the night of the killing to speak to detectives.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through the P3 Tips app or by calling Crime Stoppers on 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be passed directly to Kirkland Police detective Adam Haas.
