A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being convicted of firing at a mail carrier and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand handed down the sentence on April 9, 2025, to Martinel Humphries, 30. The incident occurred on January 5, 2023, when Humphries shot four times at a mail carrier with a semi-automatic pistol, missing the target but causing damage to nearby property. Following the incident, Humphries was apprehended by law enforcement.
Humphries has an extensive criminal record that includes previous firearm-related convictions. At the time of the shooting, he was on federal supervised release due to a 2021 conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. It is illegal under federal law for felons to possess firearms or ammunition.
"Federal employees must be able to work without fearing for their personal safety," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. "This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s violent act, shooting at a mail carrier who was in the middle of his route. Our office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners at all levels to prioritize combating violent crimes such as committed by this defendant.”
Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, expressed gratitude for the swift arrest by law enforcement partners that ensured no further harm to the public. "Postal Inspectors will always strive to keep our employees safe while delivering mail to our communities. And we take pride in working with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served to those like Humphries, who bring violence to our communities."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William B. Guappone. Recognition was given to the investigation efforts by the United States Postal Inspection Service, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Ross Township Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
