Marie Youngblood was found dead in her burned vehicle in San Jacinto County on Friday. Her son called 911 and said he had been speaking with his mother via cell phone and heard two loud noises. His mother reportedly told him she had been shot. Shortly thereafter, the phone was disconnected.
The complaint alleges Youngblood was shot shortly after delivering mail at Ham's residence. The victim was on her normal rural delivery route in her personal vehicle. Ham allegedly shot her multiple times at close range with a .30/30 caliber rifle. Ham then allegedly drove the vehicle to a nearby secluded area and set it on fire.
According to the complaint, the victim's body was discovered Friday in her burning vehicle in San Jacinto County. Firefighters extinguished the flames and found the woman inside.
The investigation eventually led to Ham after it was discovered he had allegedly complained previously about not getting his mail delivered properly, according to the complaint.
The complaint was filed Monday afternoon in federal court in Houston. Ham is expected to make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson Tuesday morning
"The safety of our workforce and, ultimately, the surrounding communities is of paramount concern to me and this office." said US Attorney Kenneth Magidson. "The killing of a Postal Service worker in the course of his/her official duties is a crime that affects us all. Anyone who is believed to have committed a crime against an employee of the United States will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Ham was located after an extensive manhunt and arrested without incident Sunday near his home in San Jacinto County. If convicted, he could potentially face the death penalty.
