DeKalb County, Georgia, February 19, 2026
Nahjel Williams has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of U.S. Postal Service letter carrier Dequavious Graves in DeKalb County. This arrest comes after Williams was initially taken into custody for a separate murder warrant in Atlanta. His ties to another killing and concerns about the halfway house he was staying in have raised safety issues among local residents. The investigation continues as authorities seek justice for the tragic loss of a dedicated public servant.
Decatur, Georgia – A significant development unfolded in DeKalb County this week with the arrest of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier. Nahjel Williams has been taken into custody and charged in connection with the death of 31-year-old Dequavious Graves, who was tragically killed while on his mail route. This arrest marks a critical turn in the investigation that has gripped the community for days.
Arrest Details and Related Investigations
Nahjel Williams was arrested in Atlanta on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, stemming from an outstanding warrant issued by Atlanta police for a separate murder within their jurisdiction. Following his apprehension, DeKalb County police confirmed Williams’ connection to the killing of Dequavious Graves and have since charged him. Authorities also indicated that Williams is linked to a second killing that occurred approximately 18 months prior.
Concurrent with the arrest, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service executed a search warrant on Tuesday evening at a residence on Oxford Drive. This home, located near the site of the shooting, was believed to be where Williams had been staying, operating as a halfway house. The tactical operation involved a SWAT team and resulted in damaged windows and doors at the residence.
The Tragic Loss of a Public Servant
Dequavious Graves, 31, was fatally shot on Thursday, February 12, 2026, just before 7 p.m., while delivering mail in the 2700 to 2800 block of Oxford Drive near Flat Shoals Road in Decatur. He was near his carrier vehicle when the incident occurred, which authorities have described as “not accidental”. Graves had dedicated three years of service to the United States Postal Service. Those who knew him remembered him not only as a diligent postal worker but also as a music producer, describing him as a model citizen, an artistic genius, and a cherished friend. His sudden passing left his family and friends in profound grief, mourning the loss of a vibrant life cut short while in the faithful execution of his duties.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service had previously offered a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for Graves’ death. This standard reward amount underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities approach violence against on-duty postal employees. The investigative work that led to Williams’ arrest was a result of diligent efforts by law enforcement agencies and community tips.
The revelation that the residence where Nahjel Williams was staying functioned as a halfway house near the crime scene has prompted significant concern among local residents. Neighbors, previously unaware of the nature of the facility, have expressed fears for their safety and are exploring legal avenues to address the operation of such houses. Notably, DeKalb County does not mandate state licensing for facilities described as “houses for returning citizens,” a fact that has drawn local scrutiny. This aspect of the case brings to light broader questions about oversight and community integration for such residences.
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the full narrative surrounding the tragic events that led to Dequavious Graves’ death, ensuring that justice is pursued with meticulous care and unwavering resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who was Dequavious Graves?
Dequavious Graves was a 31-year-old U.S. Postal Service letter carrier who was fatally shot while on his mail route in DeKalb County, Georgia. He had worked for the United States Postal Service for three years and was also known as a music producer. -
When and where did the shooting of Dequavious Graves occur?
The shooting occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, just before 7 p.m., in the 2700 to 2800 block of Oxford Drive near Flat Shoals Road in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia. -
Who has been arrested in connection with Dequavious Graves’ killing?
Nahjel Williams has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Dequavious Graves. -
When and where was Nahjel Williams arrested?
Nahjel Williams was arrested in Atlanta on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. -
What was the initial reason for Nahjel Williams’ arrest?
Nahjel Williams was initially arrested on an outstanding warrant from Atlanta police for a separate murder within their jurisdiction. He is also linked to a second killing that occurred approximately 18 months prior. -
Was a reward offered in this case?
Yes, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service had offered a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for Graves’ death.
Key Details of the Dequavious Graves Homicide Investigation
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Victim | Dequavious Graves, 31 | Local |
| Victim’s Occupation | U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier | Nationwide (USPS) |
| Date of Shooting | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | Local |
| Location of Shooting | Oxford Drive, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia | Local |
| Arrested Individual | Nahjel Williams | Local |
| Date of Arrest | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | Local |
| Location of Arrest | Atlanta, Georgia | State-level |
| Charges Against Williams | Murder of Dequavious Graves; wanted for a separate murder; linked to a second killing | State-level |
| Reward Offered | Up to $250,000 by U.S. Postal Inspection Service | Nationwide (USPIS) |
| Suspect’s Residence | Halfway house on Oxford Drive | Local |
| Halfway House Licensing | DeKalb County does not require state licensing for “houses for returning citizens” | 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.
