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Kortz Complaint
Kortz Complaint
I, U.S. Postal Inspector Erik J. Bohin, being first duly sworn, hereby depose and state as
follows:
INTRODUCTION
1. I am a U.S. Postal Inspector with the United States Postal Inspection Service
(USPIS) and have been since February of 2015. I am currently assigned to the Pittsburgh Office
and am trained and authorized to investigate offenses such as are alleged herein. I have received
training at the Career Development Unit (CDU) of the United States Postal Inspection Service in
enforcement experience working positions in law enforcement to include a: Deputy Sheriff, School
United States and am a law enforcement officer with the authority to execute warrants issued under
experience and training, review of documents and records, and discussions with other law
enforcement agents. On his oath, your affiant alleges the following in support of a criminal
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complaint charging ERIC KORTZ with two counts under Title 18, United States Code, Sections
1111 and 1114 and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (iii), and seeking a
5. On October 7, 2021 United States Postal Inspectors and local law enforcement were
informed that a shooting had occurred in Collier Township, located in Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania. Investigators arrived on scene and observed the victim of the shooting, Louis
Vignone (“Vignone”). Vignone, who was a United States letter carrier, was in his marked United
States Postal Services (USPS) vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of multiple
gunshot wounds, including one to the head. At the time of the shooting, Vignone was wearing his
USPS uniform and working his shift as a letter carrier. Investigators located a firearm and seven
6. Shortly after the shooting, KORTZ arrived at the Carnegie Borough Police
Department, where he stated that he shot someone and wanted to turn himself in. KORTZ
7. At the Allegheny County Police Headquarters, your Affiant and Allegheny County
Police Detective Patrick Kinavey interviewed KORTZ. Prior to the start of the interview, KORTZ
agreed to be interviewed and signed the USPIS agency-issued Miranda Warnings and Waiver
Form. The interview was audio and video recorded. During the interview, KORTZ informed
Investigators that he shot Vignone. KORTZ claimed that he shot Vignone because KORTZ
believed that Vignone and Vignone’s family had poisoned KORTZ and KORTZ’s family with
8. KORTZ informed Investigators that KORTZ was aware of where Vignone worked.
KORTZ stated that he located Vignone on his mail route, drove his vehicle toward Vignone’s
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USPS vehicle, and stopped in front of the vehicle to stop Vignone. KORTZ then stated that he
“went to put some bullets in him”, referring to shooting Vignone. KORTZ stated that he then
dropped the firearm at the scene, got into his van, and drove to the Carnegie Borough Police
Department.
11. WHEREFORE, your affiant avers that there is probable cause to believe that on or
about October 7, 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the defendant, ERIC KORTZ,
with malice aforethought, did kill LOUIS VIGNONE, a postal carrier employed by the United
States Postal Service while he was engaged in his official duties, in violation of Title 18, United
States Code, Sections 1111 and 1114, and that ERIC KORTZ knowingly did use and carry and
discharge a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, that being the murder of LOUIS
VIGNONE, contrary to the provisions of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111 and 1114,
and knowingly did possess said firearm in furtherance of said crimes of violence, in violation of
Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (iii), and that a warrant for his arrest
should be issued.
The above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information,
and belief.
s/ Erik Bohin
Erik Bohin
U.S. Postal Inspector, USPIS
_________________________________
HONORABLE CYNTHIA REED EDDY
Chief United States Magistrate Judge