Fayetteville, North Carolina – A Fayetteville man is facing charges for first-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing Donte Jemal Lucas, 36, outside a convenience store on Valentine’s Day. The suspect, Tayshon Amonte Covington, reportedly wore a mask during the shooting, which was captured on surveillance video near Shaw and Murchison roads.
Surveillance footage showed Lucas approaching two men outside the store just before 7 p.m. One of the men, with a bandana covering his face, pulled out a gun and shot Lucas in the forehead. Lucas was pronounced dead at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center later that night. The shooter was seen fleeing the scene in a black Chevrolet Tahoe that he arrived in as a passenger.
Investigators uncovered that the shooter had entered the store 30-40 minutes prior to the shooting, wearing the same clothing and mask. Tips from Crimestoppers helped authorities identify the shooter as “Lil Kodiak” or “Lil Black,” matching Covington’s nickname. Individuals familiar with Covington confirmed his identity from surveillance footage and Facebook photos.
Despite the arrest, no motive for the killing has been revealed yet. Covington was apprehended by U.S. Marshals and the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force in Garner, North Carolina, and is currently held without bail in the Cumberland County jail. Additionally, he was served with a warrant for failing to appear in court for a previous breaking-and-entering charge.
The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact local authorities. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing violent crimes within the community.