Guard Found Slain at FedEx Facility

A security guard working at a FedEx Ground distribution center near Washington, DC, was found shot dead. The victim, Reina N. Lynch, 26, was a school bus driver and mother of two. She had taken on the security job to make ends meet. A co-worker arriving for the day shift discovered Lynch lying on the ground by her guard booth at the entry gate.

Police received a tip pointing to 40-year-old Fabian Shim, father of Lynch’s seven-year-old child. Lynch might have become pregnant a second time by Shim, although he was engaged to another woman, and he and Lynch were having a child support court battle.

Security films show a black BMW similar to Shim’s pulling up to the security booth, and a man getting out and later returning. That man was the only visitor to the complex that night. Lynch was conscientious, her boss said, and would not have opened the secured booth to anyone she did not know. Shim was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Working alone is always hazardous. If you have to work alone, arrange to check in with your co-workers or boss every half-hour or so. If you’re going somewhere, or someone approaches you, let a co-worker or supervisor know. You have the right to work in safety.

If you’re working in a secured zone, respect it. Don’t open a door or gate for anyone, no matter who, unless they’re there for work purposes. If personal friends stop by, tell them “I’m working. I’ll see you later.”

Source: The Washington Post, November 12, 2006