Postal worker killed outside Atlanta; witness heard 4 shots

ATLANTA – A female postal worker was fatally shot outside Atlanta and the suspect was still at large, authorities said.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution quoted U.S. Postal Service spokesman Rick Badie as saying the shooting happened Monday night in DeKalb County.

The victim has been identified as Tyrika Terrell, 22. U.S. Postal Inspector Clifton Bell said that Terrell had started with the postal service last month.

“We are shocked and saddened,” Bell said in a statement Tuesday.

Family members said Terrell was the mother of a 6-month-old girl. She was described as hardworking, smart, and beautiful by her family.

Postal inspectors are handling the investigation. Police are searching for a suspect.

“It’s hard to understand,” said Michael Grogan, who said he witnessed the shooting.

Grogan doesn’t know who the shooter is, but he told WSB-TV the man was hanging out at the laundromat next door to the post office before walking out, approaching the victim in the dock area and opening fire. Grogan said “two shots went off, then two more.”

“He was sitting in this seat right here, looking out the window,” Grogan said. “I pray for the family and hope that young man turns himself in.”

Police hope security cameras from the laundromat can help them identify the shooter.