A fatal shooting incident at a United States Postal Service (USPS) processing facility in Missouri City, Texas, has resulted in the issuance of murder charges against a USPS employee. The event resulted in a single fatality.
The episode transpired at approximately 9:45 p.m. on December 9, 2024, at the USPS establishment situated on Highway 90 Alt, roughly 14 miles to the southwest of Houston.
Police found 35-year-old Kevin J. Hines, a USPS contractor, deceased on the premises, having suffered gunshot wounds. Authorities subsequently arrested 24-year-old Derrick Deon Lott Jr., a fellow USPS employee, charging him with murder.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Hines was shot in the back of the head. At the time of the shooting, Lott was free on bond, facing accusations of assaulting a peace officer earlier that year.
Upon receiving reports of an active shooter, authorities evacuated the facility, with numerous employees congregating outside as law enforcement swarmed the area.
“I can confirm that there was one individual involved. That individual is in custody and the community is safe,” expressed Dana Carter, an inspector with the Houston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Mona Hernandez, said, “Our employees deserve to feel safe when they come to work.”
Congressman Al Green, who represents the district housing the facility, postponed a visit scheduled for December 13. Instead, Green and Congresswoman Garcia plan to meet with senior postal officials at the North Houston Regional Processing Center to discuss postal issues, including this recent shooting.
The USPS enforces a stringent policy that forbids employees and visitors from possessing or storing firearms on any postal property, encompassing parking lots. Breaches of this rule can lead to job termination and potential legal consequences.
Due to the ongoing investigation, mail processing operations at the facility were temporarily suspended; however, they have now reopened. Meanwhile, the court has set Lott’s bond at $2 million.
