Death penalty considered in case of murdered Warren postal worker

Thomas Sledge (L) Kaprise Sledge (R)

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is deciding whether to seek the death penalty in the case of a suspect indicted in connection with the shooting death of a postal worker in Warren.

A death penalty specification was one of the topics discussed with U.S. District Court Judge Donald Nugent during a telephone conference Monday in the case of Kaprise Sledge, who along with Thomas Sledge, is charged with the murder of U.S. Postal Service carrier Jonte Davis.

The continuance was granted to allow for further investigation and preparation for trial. The next pretrial conference is scheduled for February 4, 2025.

The suspects were indicted on charges of murder of an officer or employee of the United States and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from a March 2024 incident in which Davis was fatally shot while on duty.

Defense counsel has until the end of December to submit any relevant information.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.