A shooting at a United States Postal Service processing facility in Missouri City, Texas resulted in one death and led to murder charges against a postal employee.
The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. on December 9, 2024, at the facility located on Highway 90 Alt, approximately 14 miles southwest of Houston.
Kevin J. Hines, 35, a USPS contractor, was found dead at the scene with gunshot wounds. Derrick Deon Lott Jr., 24, a USPS employee, was arrested and charged with murder.
According to investigators, Hines was shot in the back of the head. At the time of the incident, Lott was out on bond for an alleged assault of a peace officer earlier in the year.
The facility was evacuated following reports of an active shooter, with dozens of employees gathering outside amid a heavy police presence.
“I can confirm that there was one individual involved. That individual is in custody and the community is safe,” said Dana Carter, an inspector with the Houston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service Acting Inspector in Charge Mona Hernandez stated, “Our employees deserve to feel safe when they come to work.”
Congressman Al Green, whose district includes the facility, postponed a scheduled visit planned for December 13. Instead, Green and Congresswoman Garcia will meet with high-level postal officials at the North Houston Regional Processing Center to discuss postal issues, including the shooting.
The USPS maintains a strict policy prohibiting employees and visitors from carrying or storing firearms on any postal property, including parking lots. Violations can result in job termination and potential criminal prosecution.
Mail processing operations at the facility have been suspended while the investigation continues. Bond for Lott has been set at $2 million.