A New Mexico man pleaded guilty to second degree murder of a U.S. Postal Service worker and using a firearm during a violent crime resulting in death.
Xavier Zamora, 20, of Albuquerque, will remain in custody until sentencing, which has not been scheduled, according to a June 8 Department of Justice news release. The guilty plea was announced by New Mexico U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Melisa Llosa, inspector in charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Phoenix Division.
"Jose Hernandez died protecting a stranger from violence," Uballez said in the news release. "His selfless courage in the course of his duties embodies the highest ideals of the Postal Service - to bind the nation together. We cannot replace the husband, the father, the friend who was taken in this act of violence, but today's plea represents a significant step toward justice. The United States will continue to hold accountable those who plague our communities with senseless gun violence and to protect the federal employees who serve our nation."
According to the release and court documents, Hernandez was delivering mail when he witnessed Zamora attacking his own mother and attempted to intervene. Zamora reportedly became angry, retrieved a handgun from the house and fatally shot Hernandez in the stomach before fleeing the scene and disposing of the weapon. According to the plea agreement, Zamora can face up to 22 years in prison.
“USPS letter carrier Jose Hernandez was a veteran who cared about the community he served, choosing to intervene when he believed his customer was in danger,” Llosa said in the release. “Our thoughts remain with the Hernandez family, friends and co-workers who continue to process this senseless crime. Investigations of Zamora and others who commit heinous crimes against USPS employees will always be the highest priority of U.S. Postal Inspectors. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners for their support during this investigation.”
