Police Offering $50K for Arrest After Pregnant Woman Killed Returning From Her Baby Shower

The Philadelphia Police Department is offering $50,000 for the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child while she was returning home from her own baby shower.

On Saturday, Jessica Covington, 32, was fatally shot in the head and stomach when she was unloading gifts at her northeast Philadelphia home after her baby shower. Police believe the unknown perpetrator was "looking for" the woman and targeted her during the shooting.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney called the news "deeply upsetting and heartbreaking" and backed an increased reward for the arrest of the person responsible. Philadelphia city policy sets a $20,000 reward for an arrest in a homicide case, but Managing Director Tumar Alexander authorized police to up the reward to $50,000 after consulting with Kenney.

"Last night's murder of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby is absolutely heartbreaking," Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said. "While this attack appears to have been targeted, we will not rest until this obviously dangerous individual is in custody. I am pleased that the Mayor has increased the reward for the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator to $50,000."

Newsweek reached out to the Philadelphia Police Department for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.

Covington was seven months pregnant at the time of the shooting and was rushed to Einstein Medical Center, according to WCAU. Both Covington and her unborn child were pronounced dead minutes after arriving at the hospital.

Denise Wilson, a neighbor of Covington's, told WCAU she heard "like nine shots" and called it a "horrific murder."

Philadelphia is seeing an uptick in crime and is nearing the record for the highest number of homicides in a single year. Christine Coulter, deputy commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department, expressed frustration about the rising homicides during a press conference on Saturday night.

Coulter said the city as a whole is doing "what we can," but said they can't stop someone who is "intent" on shooting someone. She added that an officer was a few blocks away when the shooting occurred and discovered the woman was shot "several times."

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner choked up while discussing the shooting during a press conference on Monday. He confirmed a weapon has not been recovered and urged people to come forward if they have any information about the suspect. People can contact the city's tip line at 215-686-8477/

"Please be aware that homicide detectives have been working nonstop and are doing an amazing job with this case," Krasner said before wiping tears from his eyes.