HOUSTON – The United States has filed a motion of its intent to seek the death penalty upon the conviction of James Wayne Ham for the murder of a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service (USPS), announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Inspector in Charge Robert Wemyss of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and San Jacinto County District Attorney Richard Countiss.
A grand jury sitting in Houston returned a two-count indictment against Ham, 37, of Coldspring, on June 13, 2013. He is charged with one count of murder and one count of using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence.
The indictment alleges that on or about May 17, 2013, Ham committed premeditated murder of a USPS employee while she was engaged in the performance of her official duties and that he intentionally carried, brandished and discharged a firearm in the commission of that murder.
The investigation began shortly following the receipt of a 911 call from the son of the now deceased USPS worker on Friday, May 17. He indicated he had been speaking with his mother via cell phone and heard two loud noises. His mother allegedly told him she had been shot. Shortly thereafter, the phone was disconnected, according to the complaint.
Court documents allege the victim was shot on Friday, May 17, 2013, shortly after delivering mail at Ham’s residence. The victim was on her normal rural delivery route in her personal vehicle. Ham allegedly shot her multiple times at close range with a .30/30 caliber rifle.
Ham then allegedly drove the vehicle to a nearby secluded area and set it on fire.
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