An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the 2019 shooting death of a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, according to federal prosecutors. Xavier Zamora, who was 17 at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder of a federal employee and using a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death.
The shooting occurred when the mail carrier, Jose Hernandez, attempted to diffuse an argument between Zamora and his mother outside her home. Zamora struck and pushed Hernandez before retrieving a gun from the house and shooting him in the stomach. Hernandez tragically passed away 20 minutes later.
Zamora was apprehended a few days later, hiding in a nearby home. Despite efforts to locate the weapon used in the shooting, it was never found, according to court documents.
Hernandez, who had been with the Postal Service for 12 years, leaves behind a grieving family. He was a husband and father of four.
This case highlights the dangers that postal service workers face while carrying out their duties. It serves as a reminder of the importance of providing a safe working environment for these essential employees.
While Zamora’s sentencing brings some closure to the tragic incident, it also raises questions about the accessibility of firearms and the need for stricter gun control measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The sentencing of Zamora to 22 years in prison reflects the severity of the crime and sends a message that violence against federal employees will not be tolerated.
This article serves as a somber reminder of the risks that postal workers face while serving their communities and emphasizes the need for justice and accountability in cases of violence against them.
