The person at the center of this case
Ernestine Covington
Missing Person · Open
40 years waiting · since 1986
Missing Person: Ernestine Covington
Justice for Ernestine Covington — the trail went cold in 1986, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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timeline
Lead #1What happened during the 6+ months between Ernestine's disappearance on May 16 and the discovery of her vehicle on December 2?
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vehicle
Lead #2Why was her blue 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier abandoned near 41st and Chestnut, and who left it there?
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witness
Lead #3Were there any witnesses at the restaurant near 49th and Baltimore who saw Ernestine leave or interact with anyone that night?
Ernestine Covington, a 33-year-old woman, disappeared on May 16, 1986, after being last seen around 2:30 AM at a restaurant near 49th and Baltimore in Philadelphia. Her blue 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier was discovered abandoned on December 2, 1986, near 41st and Chestnut Street, raising questions about what happened in the months between her disappearance and the vehicle's discovery. The case remains unsolved, and investigators seek information about her whereabouts or any circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Case
#3480
Philadelphia Police Department - 24th District (East Division)
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4Did anyone see Ernestine or her vehicle between May 16 and December 2, 1986?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP785. Missing person: Ernestine Covington.
Last known contact: 1986-05-16 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Circumstances: Ernestine was last seen at approximately 2:30am at a restaurant in the vicinity of 49th and Baltimore in Philadelphia, PA.
Her vehicle, described as a blue 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier, was later located abandoned on December 2, 1986 near 41st and Chestnut St. in Philadelphia, PA.
Demographics: 33 years, Female, Black / African American. Physical description: 5 ft 1 in, 130 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Red slacks, black jacket.; Footwear: black shoes,. Investigating agency: Philadelphia Police Department - 24th District (East Division) | 86-18-33853.
Timeline of Events
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1986-05-16
02:30Last Sighting
Ernestine Covington was last seen at approximately 2:30 AM at a restaurant in the vicinity of 49th and Baltimore in Philadelphia, PA.
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1986-12-02
Vehicle Discovered
Her blue 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier was located abandoned near 41st and Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, PA.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 16, 1986 at 2:30 AM
Last Updated:August 6, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2156863093
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Case Information
Incident:May 16, 1986 at 2:30 AM
Last Updated:August 6, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2156863093
You can remain anonymous