Death Penalty Sought for Postal Worker Slaying

Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty against a Southeast Texas man charged with fatally shooting his neighborhood postal carrier last year.

James Wayne Ham of Coldspring is accused of the May 2013 murder of Marie Youngblood. Ham was arrested three days after her body was found in her burned SUV in San Jacinto County, about 50 miles northeast of Houston. She had been shot multiple times at close range with a rifle after delivering mail to Ham's home.

Ham's indictment says she was on the phone talking with her son when he heard two noises. His mother told him she was shot, then her phone was disconnected.

Court documents say investigators were led to Ham because he had complained previously about not getting mail properly delivered.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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