Person of interest detained in DeKalb USPS worker’s killing after separate Atlanta murder arrest, officials say
Detention follows Oxford Drive search as investigators continue to withhold suspect identity
Law enforcement agencies said a person of interest has been taken into custody in the fatal shooting of a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier killed while working a delivery route in DeKalb County. Authorities have not publicly identified the person detained or announced any charges tied directly to the postal worker’s death.
The victim, Dequavious Graves, 31, was shot on the evening of Feb. 12, 2026, while delivering mail in the 2700 block of Oxford Drive near Flat Shoals Road in Decatur. Investigators have not released a motive and have provided limited information about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Search warrant executed near scene of killing
On the evening of Feb. 17, officers executed a search warrant in a Decatur neighborhood on Oxford Drive—the same street where Graves was killed. Federal and local authorities were present during the operation. Video from aerial coverage showed a significant law-enforcement response.
Following the search, federal investigators confirmed that a person of interest in the Graves case was in custody. Investigators emphasized that the individual was arrested in Atlanta on a separate murder charge.
Reward and public-safety messaging remain central to the investigation
Prior to the detention announcement, federal investigators offered a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to an arrest in the killing. Authorities have continued to urge anyone with information to come forward, while the investigation remains active.
- Victim: Dequavious Graves, 31
- Date of shooting: Feb. 12, 2026
- Location: 2700 block of Oxford Drive near Flat Shoals Road, Decatur
- Investigative activity: Search warrant executed on Oxford Drive on Feb. 17, 2026
- Custody status: Person of interest detained; identity not released
USPS response and impact on coworkers
The Postal Service described the death as a loss to its workforce and said it would provide counseling services to employees at the Wesley Chapel Post Office as the investigation continues. Graves had worked for USPS for about three years.
The Postal Service said it was “deeply saddened” by the death and extended condolences to Graves’ family, friends and colleagues.
What remains unanswered
Authorities have not said whether investigators believe the killing involved one suspect or multiple people, nor have they disclosed evidence recovered during the search warrant operation. With the detained person’s name still withheld and no publicly announced charges related to the postal worker’s death, key aspects of the case remain unresolved as investigators continue their work.
The detention marks a significant development, but officials have indicated the investigation is ongoing and additional updates are expected as information is vetted for release.