Suspect jailed for murder of Cathedral of Hope employee

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Dallas police have arrested a 22-year-old Cedar Hill man in connection with the Friday night murder of the office manager at Dallas’ Cathedral of Hope.

Yevin Rushing faces capital murder charges for the death of 54-year-old Lee Covington. He is being held in the Lew Sterrett jail with his bond set at $500,000.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Rushing met Covington on Craigslist and went over to his home around 8:30 a.m. Friday morning.

Officers didn’t find Covington’s body until later that night inside his Dallas Love Field-area condo. His nose and mouth were taped shut and the Dallas County medical examiner ruled he died of suffocation/asphyxiation.

Police investigators determined several items were missing from Covington’s home, including a Rolex, his phone, and keys.

Neighbors were able to give police the license plate of a vehicle driven by a suspicious person seen walking the neighborhood that day. That information led police to Rushing, who according to police had Covington’s Rolex.

The affidavit states Rushing admitted to being at the scene of the crime. He said Covington gave him the Rolex. He also admitted to going back to the condo later with a U-Haul but left after he saw police there.

Friends are struggling with the loss. The congregation at Cathedral of Hope remembered Covington at Sunday’s services.

The Rev. Dr. Neil G. Cazares-Thomas said Covington “was much loved by everyone at the Cathedral of Hope and will be sorely missed.”

“He was a gentleman. He had class. He was able to move in so many circles and cycles of life,” Cazares-Thomas said. “The most hysterical person… he was so fun. Like me, very sarcastic. But he could find the humor in everything.”

“I can’t believe this happened. I think it’s totally senseless. He did not deserve it,” said Janet Maddox, a friend.

Covington leaves behind a partner, both parents, and siblings.