An Indiana man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after gunning down a postal worker as she was delivering mail, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Indiana.
Tony Cushingberry, 24, has been convicted of shooting U.S. Postal worker Angela Summers on April 27, 2020, as she was delivering mail in Indianapolis.
Cushingberry was reportedly sitting on his porch when Summers walked past his home on her mail route and proceeded to deliver mail to his neighbour.
Previously, the U.S. Post Office had sent Cushingberry notices that mail would not be delivered to his home due to the presence of an "aggressive" small dog, Fox 59 reported.
Cushingberry became upset due to the disruption in his mail delivery and approached Summers, demanding his own mail.
In response, Summers used pepper spray to defend herself against Cushingberry's aggression.
Cushingberry then pulled out a handgun from his waistband and shot Summers in the chest, the attorney's office added.
Police discovered Summers lying injured on the front porch. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, but tragically, she later died from her injuries.
A beloved and active member of her community, Summers was honored by those on her postal route who marked her tragic death with black ribbons on their mailboxes.
Cushingberry pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree over her death in July 2022, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, said: "Angela Summers was a beloved family member and public servant, and she should be alive today.
"She was taken from those who cared for her by the defendant's evil decision to gun her down while she was simply doing her job,"
"Our communities should not have to live in fear of every conflict leading to gun violence.
"No term of imprisonment will bring Angela back, but the sentence imposed today demonstrates that those who kill will face judgment and accountability."
