NORFOLK, Va. — Police confirm a woman who was found dead in the 1000 block of Galt Street late Saturday night was the subject of an earlier-issued Ashanti Alert.
The Norfolk Police Department identified the woman as 40-year-old Marie D. Covington, who had been missing from Virginia Beach. Her body was found in the Olde Huntersville neighborhood just before midnight.
After investigating, police said they charged 43-year-old Gary Morton with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Morton is currently being held in the Chesapeake City Jail without bond.
Chesapeake Sheriff's Office Public Information Coordinator Janelle Scott said Virginia State Police brought Morton to the jail with the following additional charges:
- Possession/transport of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Disregarding police commands
- DWI
- Speeding over 80 mph
- Driving without a license
Scott could not specify when Morton was arrested.
13News Now has reached out to Virginia State Police officials for specific information about his arrest, and we are waiting for comment.
“I am praying for your family. I am so sorry for your loss," said Olde Huntersville Civic League President Carolyn Latham.
Latham said she was shocked to find out police found Covington in her Norfolk neighborhood.
“We didn’t hear no sirens, we didn’t hear no gunshots. We didn’t hear anything. So that is what puzzles us the most," said Latham.
On Saturday, Virginia State Police issued an Ashanti Alert after Covington went missing from Virginia Beach several days earlier. At the time, police believed she could be in danger.
Latham said she hopes the police find out what happened.
“Keep your loved ones close, watch out for each other and take care of each other and look out for your communities and take care of your neighbors," said Latham.