Providing an update to city leaders during a public safety meeting last week, Covington’s police chief said the department needs help from the public to make an arrest in a recent homicide.
Adel “Alex” Elrafei was shot to death on Christmas Day while operating Bull Market, the Covington-based gas station he owned for many years.
Police said he was found near the counter where the cash register was opened and an undetermined amount of property was missing. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
A month into the investigation, Chief Donna Turner said it would be helpful if people walking by the gas station that day would speak with detectives.
“We know that people were walking on Hwy. 51 in front of the Bull Market in that area on Christmas morning between the hours of about 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and certainly we have some of them on video,” Turner said. “We have not identified [all of] those that were walking and they could be potential witnesses. If anyone was or knows someone who was in that area, just encourage them to contact the Criminal Investigations Division so we can run everything down and try to find those responsible.”
There was an outpouring of support for the family following Elrafei’s murder. A candlelight vigil was held on Dec. 30, 2022 with dozens of people attending.
Turner expressed compassion for Elrafei’s family.
“The victim’s family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers,” she said. “We would certainly love to give them some closure.”
If anyone has information in the incident, please contact the CPD Criminal Investigations Division at 901-475-1261. Tips can be sent through Facebook messenger Covington Police Department or the City of Covington website.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
