Postal Worker Killed in Decatur, Reward Offered

Family of slain mail carrier Dequavious Graves is devastated as authorities search for the shooter.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Dequavious Graves, a 31-year-old U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, was shot and killed while on his delivery route in Decatur, Georgia. Neither the killer nor the motive is known, and federal officials are offering a $250,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Why it matters

The tragic killing of Graves, who had worked for the Postal Service for three years, has left his family devastated. It also raises concerns about the safety of postal workers and the need to protect them as they serve communities across the country.

The details

Graves was delivering mail in the 2700 block of Oxford Drive near Flat Shoals Road when he was shot just before 7 p.m. on Feb. 12. He had been employed with the postal service for three years when he was killed. Graves also had a passion for producing music, and his cousin Nosakhere Andrews said they "went all the way to Birthday Bash" and "made a lot of music videos."

  • Dequavious Graves was shot and killed on February 12, 2026 while delivering mail.
  • The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a $250,000 reward for information as of February 18, 2026.

The players

Dequavious Graves

A 31-year-old U.S. Postal Service mail carrier who was shot and killed while on his delivery route in Decatur, Georgia.

Shannon Graves

The mother of Dequavious Graves, who is devastated by the loss of her only son.

Nosakhere Andrews

The cousin of Dequavious Graves, who remembered the victim's passion for producing music.

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

The federal law enforcement arm of the United States Postal Service, which is investigating the killing of Dequavious Graves and offering a $250,000 reward.

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What they’re saying

“Just the thought of him not coming home that day, me not speaking to him, that's what hurts the most.”

— Shannon Graves, Mother of Dequavious Graves (fox5atlanta.com)

“I can't believe it. I'm dazed. It makes me dizzy thinking about it. I see his face flashing.”

— Nosakhere Andrews, Cousin of Dequavious Graves (fox5atlanta.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a $250,000 reward for information that will lead to an arrest in the killing of Dequavious Graves. Anyone with information is urged to submit tips by calling 1-877-876-2455 and referencing Case No. 4668511-WPV.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Dequavious Graves, a dedicated postal worker and music producer, has left his family devastated and highlights the need to protect the safety of postal workers who serve communities across the country. The large reward offered by federal authorities underscores the urgency in finding the person responsible for this senseless crime.