Chicago mail carrier Octavia Redmond killed on her route in broad daylight: ‘Shattered’

CHICAGO — A mail carrier was fatally shot while walking a route in Chicago, authorities said.

U.S. Postal Service investigators are offering up to $250,000 for tips that help solve the case.

Octavia Redmond, 48, was shot shortly before noon Friday on South Harvard Avenue in Chicago’s South Side, police said. The gunman fled the scene in a vehicle.

James McGee said he was working in his garden when he and Redmond greeted each other and talked about the nice weather.

Octavia Redmond was shot shortly before noon Friday while walking her mail route in Chicago. ABC 7 Chicago
The gunman fled in a vehicle after killing the beloved postman in broad daylight. ABC 7 Chicago

Kim Sanders, who works at a group home nearby, said her heart was “shattered” by Redmond’s death.

“She would just come up and down the street delivering the mail and not bother anyone,” Sanders said.

A neighbor said he and Redmond had greeted each other and talked about the nice weather just before the shooting. ABC 7 Chicago

A flag was raised at a union building in honor of Redmond, who delivered mail for more than 15 years. Her husband also works for the Postal Service.

“We are federal employees. How dare you? And you think you can get away with it? My members are afraid to go to work,” said Elise Foster, a local official with the National Association of Letter Carriers.

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