**Missouri City, MO – December 19, 2024** – A United States Postal Service (USPS) worker has been charged with the fatal shooting of a colleague at a Missouri City postal facility, local authorities confirmed Wednesday. The shocking incident, which unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, left the community in shock and law enforcement scrambling to piece together the details.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was a longtime employee of the USPS and was reportedly shot inside the facility at around 3:00 PM. Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes but were unable to save the life of the victim, who was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting.
Authorities swiftly detained the suspect, identified as 45-year-old USPS worker James Alan Montgomery, who is believed to have shot the victim during a confrontation in the workplace. Montgomery, who had been employed at the same postal facility for over a decade, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder, according to the Missouri City Police Department.
“At this point in the investigation, we believe that the shooting stemmed from an argument between the two individuals,” said Lieutenant Sarah Evans of the Missouri City Police Department. “The exact nature of the dispute remains under investigation, but we can confirm that the suspect and the victim knew each other and worked together at the facility.”
Law enforcement sources revealed that the two employees had a history of interpersonal conflict, although the extent and nature of their disagreements were unclear. The shooting took place in the employee breakroom, a location typically used by postal workers during their shifts. Surveillance footage from the facility is currently being reviewed by investigators to gather more information about the moments leading up to the fatal incident.
Family members and co-workers of the victim were left reeling by the news. The victim, a 38-year-old man with over 15 years of experience with USPS, was known for his dedication to his work and his involvement in the local community. His sudden and violent death has raised questions about workplace safety within the postal service.
“The Postal Service is devastated by this tragedy,” said USPS spokesperson Tina Roberts in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, and we are fully cooperating with the authorities as they investigate this incident. The safety and well-being of our employees is of the utmost importance, and we will continue to work with law enforcement to determine what led to this senseless act.”
Montgomery was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Missouri City Detention Center. His bail has been set at $500,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court for his first hearing on Thursday. If convicted of second-degree murder, Montgomery could face up to 30 years in prison.
The Missouri City postal facility, which processes mail for the surrounding area, has been temporarily closed for investigation. USPS officials have not disclosed when operations will resume, though they assured the public that alternate arrangements for mail processing are in place to minimize delays.
This incident is the latest in a series of workplace violence incidents across the United States, sparking discussions about the importance of mental health support, conflict resolution, and security measures in workplaces. As investigators continue to gather evidence, the community remains shaken by the loss of a dedicated postal worker and the senseless violence that took place on what should have been a typical workday.
“This is not something anyone expected or was prepared for,” said Carol Miller, a co-worker of the victim, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “We’re all in shock. It feels like a nightmare.”
The Missouri City Police Department is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information to come forward as they continue their investigation. The USPS has also pledged to provide counseling and support services to employees affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, questions linger about what might have triggered the fatal confrontation and what steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Authorities are asking for patience as they work to uncover the full details behind the fatal shooting
