INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Police arrested a 21-year-old man Tuesday night in connection with the shooting death of Indianapolis mail carrier Angela Summers.
Officials said detectives with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) working with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Tony Cushingberry, 21, on the evening of April 28.
Police said officers were sent to the 400 block of N. Denny St. on a report of a person shot around 4 p.m. on Monday April 27.
Postal carrier Angela Summers, 45, was found suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, and EMS responded to the scene.
Summers was taken to an area hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. The Marion County Coroner later said Summers died from a gunshot wound to the chest.
“It’s real hard. This never happened to us before,” said reverend Michael Davis.
Reverend Davis, pastor at Unity of Indianapolis, says Angela served as a board member for the church and remembers her outgoing and outspoken personality.
“Angela was quick a laugh,” said Davis. “Also she was quick with her opinion. You never questioned what Angela was thinking because she would let you know.”
Following the death, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service offered a 50-thousand dollar reward for information leading to an arrest.
The agency confirmed Wednesday that Cushingberry is accused of the murder.
“It doesn’t stop the tears. It actually brought more today because of the relief on knowing this won’t have to go on and on. There can be some closure,” said Davis.
Police have not confirmed exactly what led up to the shooting on Monday, but Angela leaves behind a teenage daughter and a community trying to make sense of the violence.
“Of everything her daughter was first and that’s why she worked hard,” said Davis. “To have someone so integral to the community and to have their life taken so quickly and violently, it’s hard to understand that.”
The United States Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case because killing a federal employee on duty is a federal charge that could come with a life sentence.
Anyone with information about this incident should call the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS (8477).
Hoosiers can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones, or go to CrimeTips.org to submit a web tip.
