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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Texan Charged With|Murdering Mailwoman

HOUSTON (CN) - A Texas man was arrested and charged with murder of a post office mail carrier after investigators found out he had complained about "not getting his mail delivered properly," federal prosecutors said.

James Wayne Ham, 36, of Coldspring, was arrested Sunday after an "extensive manhunt," the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement.

Coldspring, pop. 853, is 63 miles northeast of Houston.

Ham was to make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson this morning in Houston, prosecutors said.

"The investigation began shortly following the receipt of a 911 call from the son of a USPS worker on Friday, May 17," prosecutors said in the statement.

"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.

"The complaint alleges the victim was shot on Friday 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.

"According to the complaint, the victim's body was discovered Friday in her burning vehicle in San Jacinto County. Firefighters extinguished the flames and found the woman inside.

"The investigation eventually led to Ham after it was discovered he had allegedly complained previously about not getting his mail delivered properly, according to the complaint."

If convicted, Ham could get the death penalty.

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