Killer still on loose more than month after Van Buren Twp woman found murdered in home

Egypt Covington fatally shot in head

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – It's been more than a month since Egypt Covington's family learned that the 27-year-old was found murdered in her Van Buren Township home.

Covington's family wants the public to know that her killer is still on the loose, and they're hoping billboards could help bring that person to justice.

There are six billboards in various areas to spread the word about Covington.

"It's very difficult," said Tina Covington, Egypt Covington's mother. "We need her out there so that people don't forget."

Tina Covington has mourned the loss of her daughter every day since she was found shot to death in June.

"It doesn't get any easier," Tina Covington said. "I won't get closure until I know something (about) why."

Billboards donated by Lamar Advertising are catching a lot of eyes, and Tina Covington hopes it leads to information.

"A lot of people have pulled over because it goes by so fast, but I definitely think it's keeping her out there," Tina Covington said.

She said police are continuing to get more leads in her daughter's case, but they need more solid evidence.

"I could not imagine if this turned out to be a cold case," Tina Covington said. "Hopefully, they'll slip up somewhere. Somebody knows something. They just need to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Van Buren Township Police Department at 734-699-8930.

June updates in case

After Covington was found murdered in her home, her family spoke to Local 4 about the latest details in the case.

Covington was found dead around 7:15 p.m. June 23 inside her home in the 45000 block of Hull Road. Medical examiners said Covington was killed by a gunshot wound to the head.

Police said the murder doesn't appear to have been random. They believe she was probably killed by somebody she knew.

Nobody has been taken into custody as Saturday's memorial for Covington approaches.

Amid their heartbreak, Covington's mother and siblings are coming forward with new details in the case.

Covington's boyfriend was the person who found her shot to death inside her home.

"He walked into the house and found her and ran out and called police," Tina Covington said.

When Tina Covington got the call, she couldn't believe what had happened.

"It was, like, 'What do you mean, 'She was murdered?'" Tina Covington said.

Police said there was no struggle, so they believe Egypt Covington knew the person who did this to her very well.

"She was 5 (feet) 10 (inches), and she worked out every day," Tina Covington said. "She could bench 200 pounds, so she can fight, and that's what we don't get."

Now, the family is waiting for the killer to be found.

You can watch Koco McAboy's full story with the family in the video posted above.

Victim's father heartbroken

Covington's father and stepmother said they are heartbroken by her death, and the tightknit community of which she was a part is in shock.

Covington's family said she knew how to light up a room with her voice and her personality.

"She spread light and love and caring," said her father, Chuck Covington.

Chuck Covington and his wife, Kristin Covington, the victim's stepmother, said they couldn't believe what happened.

"Disbelief," Chuck Covington said. "Shock. Hysteria. ... She was goodness and godliness everywhere she went," Chuck Covington said. "She shouldn't be taken from us."

"She didn't look at the outside of a person," Kristin Covington said. "She didn't care how much money you had. She cared about what was inside."

The family hopes someone comes forward with information.

"It won't cure her being gone, but I know she would want the person caught, and that's as far as we can deal with at the moment," Chuck Covington said.

He said the person responsible took away a woman who was radiant and loved by many people.

"She's gone from people that haven't even met her yet," Chuck Covington said. "She's gone from them and she was just starting."

Egypt Covington's brother didn't want to be on camera, but he said his sister was a gifted singer whose talents went beyond singing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.


About the Authors:

Koco joined the Local 4 News team in September of 2016. She was born and raised in Metro Detroit, attended Central Michigan University, and previously worked at WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.