- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Warren Today
By the People, for the People
Prosecutors Defend Evidence in Postal Worker Murder Case
Prosecutors argue search warrants and evidence collection were lawful in 2024 shooting death of mail carrier Jonte Davis
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Prosecutors have filed a response defending the validity of evidence in the case against two men charged with the 2024 murder of mail carrier Jonte Davis in Warren, Ohio. The filing addresses defense motions to suppress cell phone location data, search of the defendants' phones, and use of automated license plate readers, arguing the evidence was legally obtained.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over the use of surveillance technology and digital evidence by law enforcement, as well as the challenges in prosecuting violent crimes against federal employees like postal workers.
The details
The prosecution filing states that an eyewitness called 911 after seeing the shooting, describing a 'black right hand holding a gun that fired approximately five shots toward the carrier.' The witness also provided a description of the suspect vehicle, a gray 2013 Dodge Ram pickup truck. Police were able to locate the truck associated with suspect Kaprice Sledge and search it, finding evidence. The filing defends the use of cell phone location data, search of the defendants' phones, and automated license plate readers as part of the investigation.
- The shooting occurred at 1:44 p.m. on March 2, 2024.
- The suspect vehicle was found near a home on Maryland Ave. NE around 5:15 p.m. on March 2, 2024.
- Kaprice Sledge was stopped for speeding and reckless driving on May 16, 2024, leading to the search of his phones.
- The trial in the case is set for 8:30 a.m. on August 17 in U.S. District Court in Cleveland.
The players
Jonte Davis
A 33-year-old U.S. Postal Service mail carrier who was shot and killed while in his vehicle on March 2, 2024.
Kaprice Sledge
A 25-year-old Warren, Ohio resident charged with the murder of Jonte Davis and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
Thomas Sledge
The 45-year-old father of Kaprice Sledge, also charged in the murder of Jonte Davis.
William Norman
The attorney representing Kaprice Sledge, who has filed motions to suppress evidence.
David Toepfer
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio leading the prosecution's response to the defense motions.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over the use of surveillance technology and digital evidence by law enforcement, as well as the challenges in prosecuting violent crimes against federal employees like postal workers.
