Fayetteville, North Carolina – A tragic incident unfolded on Valentine’s Day when Tayshon Amonte Covington, 23, allegedly shot and killed Donte Jemal Lucas, 36, outside a convenience store. According to an arrest warrant, surveillance footage showed the suspect wearing a mask during the shooting, but he had revealed his face just half an hour earlier inside the store.
The warrant detailed how Lucas approached two men outside the business before being fatally shot by the suspect, who then fled the scene in a black Chevrolet Tahoe. Investigators revealed that the shooter had visited the store earlier, wearing the same clothing and mask, but had briefly removed it at one point during the visit.
Police received tips identifying the shooter as “Lil Kodiak” or “Lil Black,” and further investigation linked Covington, whose nickname was “Kodiak,” to the crime. Individuals familiar with Covington confirmed his identity from surveillance footage and Facebook photographs.
Covington was apprehended by U.S. Marshals at an apartment in Garner after being charged with first-degree murder. Additionally, he faced a warrant for failure to appear in court on a previous breaking-and-entering charge. He is currently being held without bail in Cumberland County Jail.
The motive behind the killing remains undisclosed, leaving the community with unanswered questions and a sense of unease. The tragic event has sparked discussions about gun violence and the importance of community safety measures to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement authorities work diligently to bring justice to the victim and his family while ensuring the safety and well-being of the Fayetteville community. The case serves as a solemn reminder of the impact of senseless acts of violence and the need for comprehensive measures to address and prevent such tragedies in the future.