Federal prosecutors are asking to postpone the trial for two men accused of killing a mail carrier in Warren after finding DNA evidence on a soda can.

The government filed a request to move the trial for Thomas Sledge and his son, Kaprise Sledge, which was set to begin Feb. 17. Prosecutors want more time to test a DNA sample taken from Kaprise Sledge this month.

According to court records, investigators found a soda can inside the vehicle used during the shooting. A DNA swab from that can matched a profile for Kaprise Sledge already on file with the state, according to investigators. To confirm the match to use as evidence during a trial, investigators obtained a new search warrant and collected a fresh DNA sample from him last week.

Government lawyers said the delay is necessary to finish this forensic testing and give the defense team time to review the new results.

The case involves the October 2024 indictment of both men for the planned murder of a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier. Because the crime involves a federal employee, the Department of Justice is currently deciding whether to seek the death penalty.

Federal officials in Washington, D.C., have not yet made a final decision on whether to pursue a death sentence. Prosecutors noted that moving the trial date would allow both sides to wait for that decision before finishing their preparations.

Attorneys for Thomas and Kaprise Sledge told the government they do not oppose the delay. Prosecutors suggested moving the trial to May 2026 or later this summer.