Man accused of killing local postal worker, former neighbor could face death penalty

PITTSBURGH — A man accused of killing a postal worker, who was his former neighbor, in Collier Township could face the death penalty.

Eric Kortz, 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of murdering an employee of the United States and using a firearm to do so, Acting United States Attorney Stephen Kaufman announced Thursday.

According to investigators, Kortz, of Sheraden, confessed to shooting and killing 58-year-old Louis Vignone while he was in his mail truck on his route on Oct. 7. They said Kortz told them he believed Vignone poisoned his family when they were neighbors.

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If convicted, Kortz faces a maximum sentence of death. He could also receive a term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both.

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