Man takes plea deal for murder of Albuquerque postal worker

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An Albuquerque man accused of murdering a postal worker in 2019 has taken a plea deal with the feds.

20-year-old Xavier Zamora pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the death of José Hernandez. Prosecutors said Hernandez was killed while delivering mail to a community mailbox outside Zamora’s home in southwest Albuquerque. He reportedly saw Zamora hit his mother and tried to intervene, but he was shot and killed.

“José Hernandez died protecting a stranger from violence. His selfless courage in the course of his duties embodies the highest ideals of the Postal Service – to bind the nation together,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “We cannot replace the husband, the father, the friend who was taken in this act of violence, but today’s plea represents a significant step toward justice. The United States will continue to hold accountable those who plague our communities with senseless gun violence, and to protect the federal employees who serve our nation.”

The Five Points Post Office in Albuquerque was later renamed in his honor.

As for Zamora, he faces 22 years in prison under the terms of the plea deal.