Octavia Redmond dies in fatal Chicago shooting
Fatal Chicago shooting death of Octavia Redmond – Obituary
Authorities discovered a white Dodge Durango, suspected to have been involved in the killing of a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, burned out on Chicago’s South Side on Saturday. The vehicle was found in the 8900 block of South Holland Road.
On Friday morning around 11:38 a.m., Octavia Redmond, a 48-year-old mail carrier from Chicago, was shot multiple times in front of a residence in the 12100 block of South Harvard Avenue. An unidentified man reportedly approached Redmond, drew a firearm, and fired several shots before escaping in the vehicle on 121st Street. Redmond was rushed to Christ Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Police are investigating the incident as potentially targeted, rather than a random robbery. A neighbor, who preferred to remain anonymous, reported hearing about eight gunshots moments after Redmond had delivered mail. The neighbor saw Redmond lying on the ground outside the home.
According to sources, the assailant followed Redmond, shot her multiple times, and left her body in front of the residence, with her belongings still nearby. The crime is being treated as deliberate.
The murder of Redmond, a cherished wife, mother, and exceptional cook, adds to the growing list of attacks on postal workers both locally and nationwide. Detectives are reviewing Redmond’s connections and examining various security camera footage from the scene.
Elise Foster, President of Branch 11 of the National Letter Carriers Association (NALC), expressed her sorrow in a social media statement, saying, “I had the chance to know her; she was a wonderful co-worker. It’s heartbreaking that Sister Redmond will not return to her family.”
Brian L. Renfroe, NALC’s National President, stated that Redmond had served as a letter carrier for five years. He also noted that legislation called the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act was introduced earlier this year to address such crimes. The NALC is urging Congress to pass the bill swiftly in Redmond’s honor.
The tragic event follows a recent robbery of a postal worker in Bronzeville, which was captured on camera. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering up to $150,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect in that case.
In light of Redmond’s death, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has announced a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of her killer(s). Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455. All information will remain confidential.
Investigations by local detectives and the Postal Inspection Service are ongoing.
Fatal Chicago shooting death of Octavia Redmond – Obituary Authorities discovered a white Dodge Durango, suspected to have been involved in the killing of a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, burned out on Chicago’s South Side on Saturday. The vehicle was found in the 8900 block of South Holland Road. On Friday morning around 11:38…
Fatal Chicago shooting death of Octavia Redmond – Obituary Authorities discovered a white Dodge Durango, suspected to have been involved in the killing of a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, burned out on Chicago’s South Side on Saturday. The vehicle was found in the 8900 block of South Holland Road. On Friday morning around 11:38…