Philadelphia – Center City, known for its bustling commercial life and historical significance, was shaken by a chilling crime in the early hours of May 17, 2005, that disrupted its reputation as a safe urban haven. Patricia McDermott, a 48-year-old X-ray technician, was found murdered, marking the beginning of a complex investigation that would unearth a series of violent crimes.
McDermott, a devoted mother and respected employee at Pennsylvania Hospital, was discovered by authorities lying face-down on a sidewalk, the victim of a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The surrounding community and her colleagues were left reeling from the shock, as McDermott was remembered for her kindness and professionalism.
The initial phase of the police investigation revealed little about the murderer’s identity. However, surveillance footage from a nearby U.S. Postal Service building eventually provided a critical break in the case. The grainy video captured the harrowing moments leading up to the attack, showing an individual following McDermott closely before committing the dreadful act.
As detectives dove deeper, the complexity of the inquiry expanded when they connected McDermott’s killing to other mysterious homicides in the area. Each case exhibited similar modi operandi, suggesting the work of a serial offender.
Patricia’s personal life, scrutinized by the investigators, offered no substantial leads. Her husband, George Amarhanov, although previously involved in minor criminal activities, was quickly ruled out as a suspect following verification of his alibi and the physical evidence presented in the surveillance footage, which showed the perpetrator moving with agility inconsistent with Amarhanov’s known disabilities from a past accident.
The case took a significant turn when SEPTA bus records and additional witness statements helped identify a former SEPTA employee, Juan Covington, who regularly exited the bus at the same stop as McDermott. Covington was known among his peers for his volatile behavior and was brought in for questioning.
Further investigation linked Covington to the presence at McDermott’s workplace on the day of her murder, aligning with the timeline established by the video evidence. This breakthrough was supported by the discovery of multiple firearms at Covington’s residence, some of which were matched to other unsolved shootings and homicides in the region.
Covington eventually confessed to the murder of McDermott and others, attributing his actions to delusional beliefs that his victims were directing harmful radiation at him or were otherwise malevolent forces deserving of retribution. Psychiatrists later diagnosed him as schizophrenic, but he was found competent to stand trial. Covington was convicted on multiple counts of murder, leading to several life sentences without the possibility of parole.
This case, known as “The Center City Devil,” revealed the challenges and intricacies of solving serial homicide cases in urban environments, highlighting the crucial role of technological advancements in law enforcement and the importance of community cooperation in uncovering the truth.
To explore the full details of this startling series of crimes, the investigation, and its broader impacts, viewers can follow the “Philly Homicide” series, which continues to provide comprehensive insights into the case each Saturday on Oxygen.