CONTACT: Michael Martel
TITLE: National Public Information Officer
EMAIL: ISMediaInquiries@uspis.gov
Devan Schreiner Found Guilty, Sentenced to Life for Slaying of Colorado Letter Carrier
Boulder, CO – A Longmont woman was found guilty yesterday in Boulder County District Court of shooting USPS Letter Carrier Jason Schaefer, 33, who was also her ex-boyfriend and the father of her child. The jury deliberated for approximately eight hours before finding Devan Schreiner, 27, guilty of first-degree murder.
Boulder District Judge Patrick Butler proceeded immediately to sentencing, handing down a term of life in prison without parole, in compliance with Colorado’s mandatory sentence for murder in the first degree.
District Attorney Michael Dougherty credited the Postal Inspection Service in the case, saying: “the U.S. Postal Inspectors and Longmont detectives brought their best efforts and, along with our prosecution team, ensured justice was done.”
On October 13, 2021, Jason Schaefer was delivering mail near the intersection of Heatherhill Street and Renaissance Drive in Longmont when Schreiner approached and shot him three times. Postal Inspectors investigating the crime learned that the two were in the midst of a custody battle over their then 5-year-old child. Two days earlier, Schaefer had filed court documents to grant him primary custody and the majority of parenting time.
The investigation placed Schreiner near the scene of the murder. Postal Inspectors and Longmont Police obtained an arrest warrant for Schreiner and brought her into custody later that day.
“The Postal Inspection Service is committed to the safety of our employees and ensuring a work environment that is free from threats of violence,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Brad Mahs. “Today’s conviction and sentencing is an example of the swift justice that awaits those who harm our employees.”
Also accused in the crime is Andrew James Ritchie. Prosecutors allege Ritchie helped Schreiner plan Schaefer’s murder and followed him on his route the day of the shooting, giving Schreiner location details to aid in the ambush. His trial is set for September 18, 2023.