Tony Cushingberry, 23, of Indianapolis, recently plead guilty to the second-degree murder of a United States postal worker.

“Letter carrier (Angela) Summers was a dedicated public servant simply doing her job when she was senselessly murdered,” U.S. Attorney, Zachary Myers, said in a July 6 Department of Justice press release. “Our office will work with our law enforcement partners to hold criminals accountable for violent attacks on government officials. While no prosecution will bring the victims of gun violence home to their families, we will work tirelessly to protect the public and bring violent criminals to justice.”

Summers was on her routine patrol April 27, 2020, when Cushingberry approached her in an aggressive manner, according to the release. He demanded to know why some of his mail had not been delivered. Summers ran to a nearby porch while she grabbed her can of defense spray. Cushingberry followed her which led to Summers spraying Cushingberry. Cushingberry then retrieved a handgun from his waistband and shot Summers in the chest.

“The safety and well-being of postal service employees is a top priority for the Postal Inspection Service, and every act or threat of violence elicits an immediate and firm response,” said Inspector-in-Charge Rodney Hopkins. “This judicial outcome demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that all USPS employees can come to work and serve the public without having to endure an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. We hope that this case’s resolution will serve as a deterrent to those criminal actors who threaten the fundamental right of a safe work environment for our nation’s postal employees.”

Cushingberry's mail was on hold due to repeated aggression and run-ins with postal workers, according to USPS officials.