[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
What was supposed to be a day celebrating new life ended in not one, but two tragic deaths.
According to reports, Jessica Covington was fatally shot outside of her car as she unloaded gifts from her own baby shower in Philadelphia at around 8: 30 p. m. on Saturday.
Authorities said the 32-year-old was shot 11 times in the stomach and also suffered a gunshot wound to the head outside of her Crescentville home. Deputy Police Commissioner Christine Coulter told CBS Philly :
“ There was an officer a couple blocks away who heard the particular shots. When they came here, they discovered her shot several times. ”
The expectant mother, who was seven months pregnant, was rushed in order to a hospital, where she has been pronounced dead shortly after 9 p. m.. Her unborn baby was pronounced dead just five minutes later.
No arrests have been made in connection to her slaying just yet, but Joanne Pescatore , assistant supervisor of typically the homicide and nonfatal shootings unit in the District Attorney’s Office, told The Phila. Inquirer that police were questioning a suspect on Monday.
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Pescatore wouldn’t identify the person or comment on the potential motive, but she revealed that investigators recovered video footage from the block where the shooting went down, noting that a number of streetlights were out and that the video is “extremely” dark.
Charges have not yet been filed. District Attorney Larry Krasner said during a news conference it’s “very likely” that whoever is charged in connection with the killing will face two counts of murder; 1 each for the mother and her unborn child. He stated homicide detectives “have been working nonstop and doing an amazing job with this case. ”
Police Chief Inspector Frank Vanore echoed that sentiment, noting that homicide detectives were conducting “a lot of interviews, ” executing search warrants, and analyzing other evidence. He described this investigation as “very active. ”
On Sunday, Mayor Jim Kenney took to Twitter to offer a $50, 000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. He wrote:
“ This news is deeply upsetting plus 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. ”
Meanwhile, loved ones gathered at the Lawncrest Recreation Center upon Monday night to release purple in addition to white balloons in remembrance of Covington. They said she had been pregnant with a daughter, whom she planned to name Cyre .
Our hearts go out to be able to the victim’s loved ones at this tragic time.
[Image via 6ABC Philly ]
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