US Mail Carrier, 64, Fatally Shot While on Delivery Route

Authorities still searching a suspect

A United States Postal Service (USPS) truck leaves a postal facility in a file photograph. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Authorities in South Carolina are looking for whoever shot and killed a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) worker as she was on her delivery route. They are offering a reward for anyone who can provide information that leads to finding those responsible.

Irene Pressley, 64, was found dead on the afternoon of Sept. 23 in Andrews, Williamsburg County. U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) spokesperson Jessica Adams confirmed that Pressley was killed on the job.

Williamsburg County Coroner Harrison McKnight said that Pressley’s death appeared to be a homicide, The Associated Press reported. McKnight added that an autopsy is underway to determine the official cause of death.

A press conference is set for Sept. 27 where an “important announcement” will be made in relation to Pressley’s death, according to the USPIS.

Pressley had been working for USPS for 22 years, according to a statement from USPIS cited by local station WPDE.

Local station WCSC reported that the shooting occurred in Pressley’s SUV on Morrisville Road. A press release from the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office said that police responded to a call on Morrisville Road, where they found a black vehicle and Pressley unresponsive, Kingstree News reported. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office has yet to announce a suspect or possible motive for the killing.

On Sept. 24 on Facebook, the sheriff’s office posted a wanted notice in relation to Pressley’s death.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) involved in the homicide [of] a letter carrier in Andrews, SC,” the notice reads.

“If you have any information about this incident, please contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (say ”Law Enforcement“) or please call Crime Stoppers at 1-88-274-6372).”

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting with the investigation.

Adams said that if the person responsible for her death is caught and convicted, they could face a federal death penalty, WCSC reported.

The St. John Ame Morrisville Church posted a message expressing condolences in the wake of Pressley’s death.

“The St. John AME Church family is saddened to announce the passing of Sister Irene G. Pressley,” the church announced in a Facebook post.

“Mrs. Pressley was a faithful servant, who served and ministered for countless years. She served on many departments, to include being the President of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) for many years. Please keep the family, friends, coworkers and church family of Mrs. Pressley in your thoughts and prayers.”

One person expressed condolences in a Facebook comment, saying, “This sweet lady has been my mail carrier for years. She was friendly, kind, and caring for others. She has taken the time to get out of her car and bring important packages to my door if need be. Heartfelt condolences to her family. She will be missed.”

Another person wrote, “So sad to hear of anyone losing their life. But when they was just on their job, minding their own business that’s is senseless. I hope they are caught, and justice is served. My condolences to her family and postal family.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report