Atlanta, February 18, 2026
Authorities have apprehended a person of interest linked to the shooting death of U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Dequavious Graves. The arrest marks a crucial development in a case that has affected the community, as the individual is also wanted in connection with a separate murder from 2024 in Atlanta. Graves was shot while on his mail route in Decatur, leading to an extensive investigation and significant community loss.
Atlanta
A person of interest in the tragic shooting death of U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Dequavious Graves has been apprehended, with authorities revealing the individual is also sought in connection with a separate murder that occurred in Atlanta in 2024. The arrest took place in Atlanta on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marking a significant development in a case that has deeply affected the community.
The individual, whose name has not yet been publicly released by authorities, was taken into custody on an outstanding Atlanta Police Department warrant related to the earlier homicide. Federal authorities, including an FBI SWAT team, conducted a search at a residence on Oxford Drive in Decatur on Tuesday night, a location connected to the suspect.
Details of the Dequavious Graves Homicide
Dequavious Graves, a 31-year-old postal worker, was fatally shot on Thursday, February 12, 2026, just before 7 p.m., while diligently carrying out his mail route on Oxford Drive in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia. Graves had dedicated three years of service to the United States Postal Service. His loss has been keenly felt by those who knew him, remembering him as a music producer, a model citizen, and a great friend. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service had previously offered a substantial reward of $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Graves’s killing. The investigation into the circumstances of Graves’s death continues, with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and DeKalb County Police working collaboratively. As of now, authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the shooting.
Connection to a Separate Atlanta Murder
The arrested person of interest is additionally wanted for a homicide that occurred on August 1, 2024, near the Westmar Student Lofts on W. Marietta Street in Atlanta. In that incident, a 24-year-old man was found shot and killed. The identity of the victim in the 2024 Atlanta murder has not been released. The apprehension of this individual suggests a potential link between two distinct acts of violence, underscoring the interconnectedness of investigations aimed at maintaining peace within the community.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The dual nature of the charges against the arrested individual highlights the complex challenges law enforcement faces in addressing violent crime. The initial incident, the killing of a postal worker in the act of public service, touched a chord of sorrow and concern, reminding many of the quiet dignity of daily routines suddenly shattered. The subsequent revelation of an earlier murder charge further deepens the community’s contemplation of these events. The collective efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, DeKalb County Police, and Atlanta Police, illustrate a persistent commitment to justice for all victims and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in connection with the USPS worker’s death?
An unidentified person of interest has been apprehended in connection with the shooting death of U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Dequavious Graves.
When was the person of interest arrested?
The arrest took place in Atlanta on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Who was Dequavious Graves?
Dequavious Graves was a 31-year-old U.S. Postal Service mail carrier who had dedicated three years of service to the United States Postal Service.
When and where did Dequavious Graves’s death occur?
Dequavious Graves was fatally shot on Thursday, February 12, 2026, just before 7 p.m., while carrying out his mail route on Oxford Drive in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia.
What other crime is the arrested individual wanted for?
The arrested person of interest is additionally wanted for a homicide that occurred on August 1, 2024, near the Westmar Student Lofts on W. Marietta Street in Atlanta.
Was a reward offered in the Dequavious Graves case?
Yes, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service had previously offered a substantial reward of $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Graves’s killing.
Key Details of the Investigation
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Arrested Individual Status | Person of interest in USPS worker’s death; wanted for a separate murder. | State-level |
| Date of Arrest | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | State-level |
| Location of Arrest | Atlanta, Georgia | State-level |
| USPS Worker Victim | Dequavious Graves, 31 years old | State-level |
| Date of USPS Worker Death | Thursday, February 12, 2026, before 7 p.m. | State-level |
| Location of USPS Worker Death | Oxford Drive, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia | State-level |
| Second Murder Date | August 1, 2024 | State-level |
| Second Murder Location | Near Westmar Student Lofts on W. Marietta Street, Atlanta | State-level |
| Reward Offered (USPS) | $250,000 for information in Graves’s killing | Nationwide (USPS is federal, but the reward is specific to this case) |
| Motive Released | No motive has been publicly released for Graves’s killing. | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
