Defense calls evidence in Warren mail carrier murder ‘circumstantial’

Thomas Sledge (L) Kaprise Sledge (R)

Attorneys for Thomas Sledge, accused in the 2024 murder of a U.S. Postal Service carrier in Warren, contend the case against their client is largely circumstantial, according to a recent court filing.

In a motion for complete discovery filed in federal court, defense lawyers argue that the evidence presented so far relies on cell phone records placing Sledge near the crime scene – an area where he also lives – and statements mentioning him as the driver of a vehicle.

The motion, filed in anticipation of a potential death penalty prosecution, emphasizes that many of the statements gathered by U.S. Postal Service investigators name individuals other than Thomas Sledge and his son, Kaprise Sledge, who is also charged in the killing of Jonte Davis. Some interviews, the defense states, mention Sledge’s son but not Thomas Sledge himself.

"Upon examination of the same, it appears that the factual case against him relies on circumstantial evidence," the defense motion reads.

The filing requests a court order for the government to provide the defense with all of its evidence, including statements and backgrounds of all cooperating witnesses, before the Department of Justice (DOJ) makes a decision on whether to seek the death penalty.

Public Defender Stephen Newman argues in the motion that understanding the full scope of the evidence, including any direct evidence, is crucial for making a complete case against capital punishment.

The motion states that without knowing all the evidence, particularly any non-circumstantial evidence, Sledge's legal team would be "hard pressed" to argue effectively against the death penalty.

21 News reported in April that the DOJ is currently considering whether to pursue capital charges against Thomas and Kaprise Sledge in the shooting death of Davis, who was killed while on his mail route in March 2024. Both are charged with murder of a federal employee and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.