A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the on-the-job shootings of his mother and postal worker this summer in Chicago, police confirmed this week.
The boy, who was taken into custody in Iowa on Monday, is charged with a felony count of first-degree murder in the shooting death of postal worker Octavia Redmond, Chicago police told USA TODAY.
Redmond, 48, was found shot to death on July 19 on her way to work in the city’s West Pullman neighborhood, according to information from police and the medical examiner’s office.
Police did not reveal a motive for the killing.
Investigators used police and civilian camera footage to identify the boy and track his movements before and after the shooting, Chicago police said.
Investigators also received an anonymous tip identifying a suspect and as of this week were searching for other people in connection with the incident, police said.
USA TODAY is not naming the boy because he is a minor.
Where was Octavia Redmond shot?
Officials said the shooting occurred late on July 19th while Redmond was traveling.
The U.S. Postal Service reports that the gunman got out of a stolen white Dodge Durango, approached Redmond, fired multiple shots at close range, and fled in the vehicle.
Redmond later died at a hospital.
The suspect’s vehicle was found by police the next day, USPS said in a news release.
As of Wednesday, nearly $8,000 of the $12,000 goal had been donated to the fundraiser.
“Mr. Redmond is remembered as a wife and mother who was an integral part of the postal customers she served,” a Postal Service news release said Tuesday. “We hope this brings some relief to the Redmond family.”
“There is no place for this type of senseless violence,” USPS Chicago Division Superintendent Ruth M. Mendonsa said in a statement, adding, “When our postal service families are targeted, postal inspectors must seek justice.” We will not rest until justice is served.” Delivered on behalf of victims, their families, and the postal community. This arrest is the first step in securing justice for Mrs. Redmond. ”
“Octavia is the love of my life, and I don’t want to live in a world without her,” the victim’s husband, Demetrius Redmond, told USA TODAY.
He set up a fundraiser to help the family with funeral expenses.
“The Redmond family is devastated by the tragic loss of the queen of our family,” her husband wrote on the page, adding that proceeds will go directly to her family to help address their grief and funeral costs. .
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Chicago police arrested the boy in Cedar Rapids with assistance from U.S. Marshals, according to a Chicago Police Department news release.
The boy was extradited to Chicago, where he was charged as a juvenile, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed to NBC Chicago. The media reported that the boy’s next court appearance is on November 1st.
USA TODAY has reached out to prosecutors.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, please call us with any additional information that may be helpful in identifying and locating other responsible subjects. We continue to urge the public to do the same,” Postal Inspector General Spencer Block told USA TODAY on Wednesday.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Chicago Police Department at CPDTIP.com or the USPS’ 24/7 confidential hotline at 877-876-2455.
Natalie Neisa Alland is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at X @nataliealund.