USPS Worker Dead After Sorting Facility Shooting

Derrick Deon Lott Jr., the man accused of shooting and killing a coworker at a postal facility in Missouri City, Texas, was arraigned Dec. 11, 2024. Lott, 24, has been charged with murder, which is a first-degree felony that could lead to life in prison. The judge set his bond at $2 million and agreed to all the bond conditions requested by the state of Texas.

Workplace Shooting

The deadly incident happened around 10 p.m. on Dec. 9, 2024, when police were called to a processing facility in the Houston area after reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found one worker dead inside from gunshot wounds and arrested another employee. Lott is accused of shooting Kevin Hines at the USPS processing facility on U.S. Highway 90. The Fort Bend County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Hines was shot once in the back of the head. The large facility was evacuated, and video from the scene shows many workers standing outside while police officers were present in large numbers. No other injuries were reported during the incident.

Illegal Firearm

Prosecutors have requested that Derrick Lott be held without bond, explaining that he was out on bond for a previous charge of assaulting a peace officer in Harris County when the shooting occurred. They pointed out that as part of the conditions of his bond, he was not allowed to have a firearm. However, despite this rule, Lott allegedly had a gun with him when the shooting took place. Prosecutors argue this is a serious violation of his bond conditions and further suggests the danger he posed at the time of the incident.

Postal Inspector Speaks Out

"This was a tragic and senseless act of violence," U.S. Postal Inspection Service Acting Inspector in Charge Mona Hernandez, Houston Division, said in a statement, according to the Fort Bend Herald. "Our employees deserve to feel safe when they come to work. Postal inspectors are working tirelessly to ensure justice is served on behalf of Kevin Hines, his family, and all of the employees who work in this facility."

Mail processing at the facility has been suspended while investigators look into what happened. The facility is located about 14 miles southwest of Houston. USPS will continue to assist The Missouri City Police Department with the ongoing investigation to help bring justice for Kevin Hines and his family.

References: USPS Worker Shot Dead at Texas Facility, Co-Worker Arrested | Man Accused of Killing Postal Worker Arraigned