On Tuesday, a federal grand jury indicted a Danielsville man accused of murdering a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier in Banks County in August 2021.
A press release from the U.S. Attorney General's Office said Larry Steven Grogan is accused of shooting and killing Asa Wood, Jr., 59, on Aug. 7, 2021. Wood was delivering mail in Commerce when the incident happened. Wood died in his postal vehicle at the scene. He had been a mail carrier for over 20 years.
Later in the day on Aug. 7, Banks County Sheriff's Office deputies found Grogan and tried to stop him. Grogan exited his car and allegedly shot at deputies. He was then arrested without any injuries.
Grogan was charged with murder, assault on a federal employee using a deadly weapon, discharge of a firearm resulting in death and felon in possession of a firearm.
“Asa Wood dedicated his life to serving his family and his community,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “His murder is tragic and heartbreaking. The exceptional joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Banks County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the defendant’s arrest, and we are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wood and his family.”
“The Postal Inspection Service extends our condolences to the family and close friends of Asa Wood, Jr who served his community as a diligent letter carrier and a beloved member of the U.S. Postal Service family,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “Postal Inspectors were fortunate to work alongside the Banks County Sheriff’s Office to bring a swift resolution to this case by taking a dangerous criminal off the street. The protection of our postal employees is an integral part of our mission, and we are pleased to see justice being served against this defendant who chose to callously take the life of Mr. Wood.”
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable collaboration of agencies that emerged during this tragic incident that led to the capture of the perpetrator,” stated Sheriff Carlton Speed. “Mr. Wood was a beloved husband, father and community member. He is greatly missed by all who had the gift of knowing him.”
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Banks County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen is prosecuting the case.
