CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A teen has been charged with this summer’s shooting death of a Far South Side U.S. postal worker.
Chicago Police announced the arrest of the unnamed 15-year-old suspect. He’s alleged to have shot and killed 48-year-old letter carrier Octavia Redmond on the morning of July 19, in front of a house at 121st and Harvard.
The murder in the West Pullman neighborhood sparked a multi-month manhunt, with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Chicago Division issuing a reward up to $250,000 for any information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects.
In late August, police released video surveillance footage of who they believe was the suspect in the murder.
Ultimately, CPD detectives and the USPIS's investigation led them to the teen, who was found in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
He was arrested Monday by Chicago Police officers and members of the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Police said he has been extradited to Chicago and has been charged with first-degree murder.
No other information was made available.
USPIS investigators believe the teen did not act alone and that someone else was driving the stolen vehicle that was used on the crime.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the USPIS 24/7 hotline at 877-876-2455.
Elise Foster, president of the National Letter Carriers Association, told WBBM in July the tragedy dumbfounded her.
"She was just delivering her mail, and she was shot. Why? I don't know," Foster said. "I don't know if there was a motive for robbery, but she was delivering mail, working, and her life was taken."
Foster believes letter carriers need greater protection.
"It's going to take some action from Congress...We're going have to have security and law enforcement following us on our route," Foster said.
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