Two Brothers Charged With Murder Conspiracy, Attempted Murder, And Firearm Offenses For Shooting Of U.S. Postal Carrier

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A grand jury sitting in Charlotte returned a federal indictment charging two brothers for the shooting of a United States Postal Carrier, announced R. Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.  Rashawn Donnell Williams, 29, and Dion Lamar Williams, 27, both of Charlotte, were charged with conspiracy to murder a federal employee, attempted murder of a federal employee, and discharging a firearm during, in relation to and in furtherance of a crime of violence.  Rashawn Williams was also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.

David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) joins U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.

“As alleged in the indictment, the two men knowingly and intentionally attempted to kill a U.S. postal carrier while he was performing his official duties.  I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their thorough investigation of this case, which has led to today’s federal charges,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.

Inspector in Charge McGinnis stated, “Protecting the employees of the United States Postal Service is a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. When someone attempts to take the life of one of our employees, we stop at nothing to identify those responsible. We extend our appreciation to all our local, state and federal partners that assisted in the investigation.”

According to allegations contained in the indictment, on August 31, 2017, Rashawn Williams and Dion Williams conspired to kill a U.S. Postal Carrier. The indictment alleges that, as part of the conspiracy, Dion Williams picked up Rashawn Williams at a location on Executive Street in Charlotte.  The two men traveled to the Days Inn located at 4924 Sunset Road in Charlotte, where Rashawn Williams obtained a firearm. The indictment also alleges that the two men then traveled to Archer Avenue in Charlotte, to locate the victim.  The indictment further alleges that Rashawn Williams and Dion Williams attempted to kill the victim while he was delivering mail on his mail route. According to the indictment, Rashawn Williams has a prior criminal conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The two men are currently in custody and will appear in court on the federal charges. The maximum penalty for the charge of conspiracy to murder a federal employee is life in prison.  The charge of attempted murder of a federal employee carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. The discharging of a firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years consecutive to any other count. The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum prison term of 10 years and a $250,000 fine.

The charges contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

The investigation was led by USPIS.  In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney

Murray and Inspector McGinnis thank the FBI, ATF, U.S. Probation Office, the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office for their invaluable assistance with this case.