USPS worker killed delivering mail, suspect charged

A 35-year-old United States Postal Service worker was killed while delivering mail in rural North Carolina last week, leaving her two young daughters orphaned just months after their father's death. Authorities have charged a local man with kidnapping and murder in connection with the attack.

Brandi Reynolds was found deceased on the afternoon of Friday, June 26, in Hays, North Carolina, after the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office responded to a call for law enforcement assistance. A U.S. Postal Inspector confirmed Reynolds was on her mail delivery route when the incident occurred.

William Craig Durham, 56, of Roaring River, was arrested the same day and has been charged with first-degree kidnapping and murder. He remained in the Wilkes County Jail without bond as of Tuesday, June 30. An arrest warrant alleges Durham unlawfully restrained Reynolds and moved her from one place to another without her consent for the purpose of terrorizing her and inflicting serious bodily injury. While some reports indicate gunshots were heard and Reynolds was shot, official charging documents have not specified a method or weapon.

During a court hearing on Monday, June 29, a judge ordered Durham held...