DALLAS, Texas (KXAS) – A suspect is jailed in the murder of a native Arkansan in Texas.
Lee Covington, 54, of Jonesboro, was well known as an employee at the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, one of the largest LGBT churches in the country.
He was found dead in his Dallas condo on Friday. Click here to watch a report from NBCDFW.com.
The Dallas Police Department says Yevin Rushing (photo below), 22, is under arrest in the case after he admitted to being at Covington’s home.
An arrest affidavit shows that Rushing told investigators he met Covington on Craigslist.
Covington was killed by suffocation and asphyxiation, according to the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s office. The arrest affidavit states that duct tape was wrapped over his nose and mouth.
Police also said that while they were processing the crime scene, Rushing showed up in a U-Haul truck and left when he saw detectives. Several items were missing from Covington’s home, officers said.
Rushing was identified as a person-of-interest in the killing after neighbors were able to identify the license plate of a vehicle associated with him.
Covington worked as the assistant to the pastor at the Cathedral of Hope and was often referred to as the church’s gatekeeper.
Post on Cathedral of Hope’s Facebook page:
Words and a request from The Reverend Dr. Neil G Cazares-Thomas, Sr. Pastor of #cohdallas.
Great sadness today as we share the news of the passing of a much beloved friend and colleague, Lee Covington. Lee was my personal assistant, but he was so much, much more than that. He was much loved by everyone at Cathedral of Hope and will be sorely missed.
Lee was an amazing man and my heart breaks today. My love and prayers with Mack, his partner, and for his family as well as for us at Cathedral of Hope UCC who knew him as a loving friend.
Rest in peace my friend. I love you.
