INDIANAPOLIS – An Indianapolis man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for fatally shooting a U.S. postal service postman, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Tony Cushingberry, 23, filed the statement on April 27, 2020 for the murder of carrier Angela Summers, 45, in Indianapolis, prosecutors said.
Cushingberry was upset by the lack of mail delivery at his home due to an aggressive dog, according to court documents. Cushingberry chased Summers to a neighbor’s porch, causing Summers to grab his can of defensive spray and spray Cushingberry. Cushingberry pulled a pistol from his waist and shot Summers in the chest, according to documents. Summers collapsed on the porch and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
“Pickpocket Summers was a dedicated public servant who simply did her job when she was senselessly murdered,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary Myers.
“We hope that the resolution of this case will serve as a deterrent for criminal actors who threaten the fundamental right to a safe work environment for postal employees in our country,” said USPS Inspector Rodney Hopkins in a press release.
Cushingberry faces a possible life sentence in federal prison when he is sentenced on an indefinite date.