Jessica Covington: Pregnant Mother, 32, Shot Dead In Philadelphia
Jessica Covington, 32, of Philadelphia was returning home on Saturday, November 20, 2021 from a celebratory affair: Her baby shower.
Covington, who was seven moths pregnant, was in the process of carrying her gifts inside her home when gunfire rang out.
“There was an officer a couple blocks away who heard the shots. When they came here, they discovered her shot several times,” Deputy Police Commissioner Christine Coulter told CBS 3 in Philadelphia.
Covington was reportedly shot in the head and stomach. First responders rushed her to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. The unborn baby died a short time later.
Philadelphia’s mayor tweeted his support for the victim, saying, “This news is deeply upsetting and heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the victim’s loved ones during this painful time.
The City is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. Contact @phillypolice by calling or texting 215-686-8477.”
Authorities are labeling the fatal shooting as “domestic” in nature.
Coulter said, "The person that did this couldn't be more cowardly."
Police have questioned a person of interest, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
District Attorney Larry Krasner told reporters that the gunman will “very likely” face murder charges for slaying Covington as well as the unborn baby.
Domestic Violence Resources
National Domestic Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)