COMMERCE CITY — The death of 26-year-old Chase Steven Covington remained under investigation Monday, as his family asked the public to help find out what happened to him.
“I understand fear and confusion,” said Valerie Leo, the victim’s mother. “All I ask is for the truth to come out so we can heal as a family.”
Covington was found dead in the 5900 block of U.S. 85 on Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. An autopsy report said he died of blunt-force trauma to the head. It also says he had fractures in his left fingers.
Officials are investigating it as a possible hit-and-run accident but have not ruled out other scenarios, including assault or falling into the road.
Commerce City police Detective Mike Saunders called the case “frustrating.”
“There’s not enough physical evidence,” Saunders said.
Covington left a wedding at El Jardin restaurant near East 72nd Avenue and Colorado 2 between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Wearing a black suit, he left in a car with a female companion.
A minor argument, which officials have said is not connected to his death, led him to get out of the car and start walking. He text-messaged a friend at about 10:30 p.m. and was seen walking on the shoulder of U.S. 85, going south in the northbound lanes.
Covington’s brother, Dexter Leo, held his mother’s hand as he spoke with tears in his eyes.
“We don’t want vengeance, we just want justice,” Dexter Leo said. “We just want to know why.”
His family described him as a compassionate man, an avid Colorado Avalanche fan and pet lover. Covington was working as a leasing manager and lived in Denver.
Officials have received a tip about a newer-model, yellow Nissan Xterra sport utility vehicle that was seen in the area around the time of Covington’s death.
Commerce City police asked anyone who might have information to call 303-227-8836.
Sally S. Ho: 303-954-1638 or sho@denverpost.com
