Ga. man faces federal murder charge

Postal worker shot during deliveries in rural area last year.

A federal grand jury has indicted a North Georgia man accused of killing a postal worker last year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Thursday.

Larry Steven Grogan, 50, has been charged with the murder of mail carrier Asa “Junior” Wood Jr., along with assault on a federal employee using a deadly weapon, discharge of a firearm resulting in death, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Grogan is accused of killing 59-year-old Wood, who was delivering mail in Banks County, and then firing at two deputies Aug. 7, according to investigators.

Banks County deputies received a 911 call about an “intentional shooting” at about 9:40 a.m. on Hebron Road in Commerce, the sheriff ’s office previously said. When they arrived to investigate, Wood was dead inside his postal truck. Investigators believe Wood had been shot while working on his route in a rural area, located about 80 miles northeast of Atlanta.

Wood, a married father and grandfather, had worked for the postal service for 28 years, according to his online obituary.

“Asa Wood dedicated his life to serving his family and his community,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said in an emailed statement Thursday. “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.”

After Wood was killed, investigators soon identified a “person of interest” and compiled a description of the car that person might be driving. While investigating the homicide, deputies located the suspect’s vehicle, according to the GBI. The suspect was identified as Grogan, who lived in Danielsville.

Deputies spotted the car they were looking for while patrolling the area near Ga. 51 and Bennett Road, the sheriff ’s office said. But the driver, later identified as Grogan, sped away, beginning a pursuit. Deputies were able to stop the car, and Grogan got out and fired shots, according to investigators.

Deputies returned fire and shot Grogan, who was treated at a hospital. The deputies were not seriously injured. Grogan was arrested and remained Thursday in the Banks County jail.

“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable collaboration of agencies that emerged during this tragic incident that led to the capture of the perpetrator,” Banks Sheriff Carlton Speed said. “Mr. Wood was a beloved husband, father and community member. He is greatly missed by all who had the gift of knowing him.”

Investigators have not released details about a possible motive.

According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, Grogan served about nine months in prison from October 2005 until July 2006 following a conviction for aggravated assault against an officer.

Asa Wood Jr., 59, had worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years.