Where are Egypt Covington's killers now? ‘Dateline NBC’ delves into three killers who shot Michigan singer
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN: Shandon Ray Groom, aged 30, was sentenced to 17 to 26 years in prison after being found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2017 death of Egypt Covington, according to court records cited by the Associated Press, WJBK, and The Detroit News.
Timothy Eugene Moore, aged 37, received a sentence of 20 to 55 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, along with a felony firearm offense, in connection with Covington's death.
The third individual involved in Covington's murder, Shane Lamar Evans, aged 34, was sentenced to 15 to 25 years in prison in May after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.
Egypt Covington, a 27-year-old singer and account manager for a wine and beer distributor, was tragically found bound and shot to death in her home on Hull Road in the township on June 23, 2017.
Her body was discovered the day after she was last seen alive. This heartbreaking incident shook the community and sparked investigations to bring justice for Egypt Covington.
Cell phone records and GPS data were critical pieces of evidence in the case, which ultimately led to establishing a link between Shane Lamar Evans, Timothy Eugene Moore, and Shandon Ray Groom to the location of the crime.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that the men had taken Egypt Covington's cell phone, which was subsequently traced to the same location as their phones before they disposed of it. This evidence led to all three men being bound over for trial to face charges related to the murder of Egypt Covington.
When were the three men first arrested in relation to the death of Egypt Covington?
Three men were arrested and charged with the murder of Egypt Covington more than three years after her tragic death. In November 2020, Michigan State Police made an announcement regarding the arrests. The three individuals were Timothy Eugene Moore, Shane Lamar Evans, and Shandon Ray Groom.
Interestingly, Groom and Moore are cousins who lived in Toledo, Ohio, while Evans resided just three miles from Covington's duplex. The Michigan State Police mentioned that there was also a fourth suspect in the case, who was shot and killed after the crime occurred.
Timothy Eugene Moore, who comes from Toledo, Ohio, was arraigned and officially charged with one count of homicide on November 8, 2020.
The second individual arrested was Shane Lamar Evans from Sumpter Township. Initially released while the police continued their investigation, Evans was arrested again on December 18, 2020, and charged with murder and first-degree home invasion. Shandon Ray Groom, a resident of Toledo, Ohio, faced charges of murder and home invasion in late December 2020.
What details of the Egypt Covington case came out during preliminary exam for the judge to send all three men to trial?
In March 2021, new details about the case emerged during a preliminary exam in court. Egypt Covington resided in a duplex, with a neighbor on the other side who ran a legal marijuana business.
During a police interview, Shane Lamar Evans admitted to leading the other two men to Covington's duplex, informing them about the neighbor's marijuana that could be easily stolen. A prosecutor characterized the incident as a "robbery gone bad."
Evans explained in the interview, "I knew he was out of town. I knew he was out of his house. I said go to the right. I knew 100% no one was in that house. They went to the wrong door."
On March 25, 2021, a judge determined that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial on murder charges against all three men. The judge emphasized that it was essentially a confession when Evans mentioned that Moore and Groom mistakenly entered the wrong unit at the duplex, where Covington was home alone.
Egypt Covington's killer Timothy Eugene Moore said he was "pushed into a plea for something I shouldn't have given a plea"
During the trial, the courtroom was thrown into disarray when Eugene Moore addressed the court before sentencing, offering apologies for the family's lack of closure.
However, he also mentioned feeling "pushed into a plea for something I shouldn't have given a plea." Following Moore's statement, his lawyer requested a recess.
During this break, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Wanda Evans expressed concerns that Moore did not enter the plea willingly, knowingly, and voluntarily, contrary to what was recorded.
However, upon reconvening, Moore's lawyer confirmed that Moore wanted to proceed with the plea agreement. Judge Wanda Evans, questioning Moore, ensured that he understood and accepted the terms of the plea deal before the court.
The Michigan judge then handed down sentences to the men behind the killing of Egypt Covington. Wayne Circuit Court Judge Wanda Evans also offered words of encouragement and solace to Egypt Covington's family members during the court proceedings.
She urged them to remember the valuable lessons that Egypt had taught them, emphasizing that these lessons could be carried forward in their interactions with others and within their family, despite the tragedy they had endured.
Judge Evans acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing it as "horrible, horrific, and tragic." She expressed her heartfelt wish for peace for the family, recognizing the profound impact that Egypt's loss had on them.
Egypt Covington's brother spent many "sleepless nights" until a break in the case
During the court proceedings, D'Wayne Turner, Egypt Covington's brother, focused on the profound loss of his sister. He spoke about how Egypt touched the lives of many people and emphasized that she would always be remembered as a beautiful person.
Turner expressed gratitude to the police, prosecutors, and media for their attention to the case. He also highlighted the family's relentless pursuit for justice, both publicly and behind the scenes, as they sought information about the suspects responsible for Egypt's murder and how they spent several "sleepless nights" until a break in the case.
Meanwhile, Jessica Covington, Egypt's sister, did not mince words when addressing the defendants. She referred to them as "subhuman" and "monsters" who may eventually have the opportunity to breathe fresh air outside of a jail cell due to the plea deal.
Jessica urged the judge to impose the longest possible prison sentences on Moore and Groom, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions and the devastating impact on Egypt's family and loved ones.
Egypt Covington's father was angry at how the men "played the system" with their plea agreement
During the court proceedings, family members, including Egypt Covington's father, Chuck Covington, addressed the court, expressing their deep pain and frustration. Chuck Covington criticized Shandon Ray Groom and Timothy Eugene Moore and said they "played the system" with their plea agreement.
Chuck Covington argued that the defendants should have been charged with first-degree murder and faced the possibility of life in prison without parole. He pointed out that one of the suspects had a gun, questioning why someone would bring a gun unless they intended to use it.
Describing the horrific details of his daughter's murder, Chuck Covington revealed that Egypt was bound with Christmas lights and a pillow was used to muffle the sound of the gun when she was shot in the back of the head. He described the act as an "execution."
Chuck Covington emphasized that the loss of Egypt would always weigh heavily on their family and urged the court not to show any leniency towards the defendants. He expressed disbelief that anyone would want these individuals released back into society.
This ‘Dateline NBC’ Season 32 episode will air on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 9 PM ET on NBC and will be available for streaming on Peacock the following day.