Mother of 8 killed in Waldo; Sheriff’s Office seeking witnesses to the shooting

Press release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on June 21, deputies responded to the area of 14100 NE 150th Ave. in Waldo, regarding a large block party. Upon arrival they encountered an estimated 400-500 cars and an equal number of people gathered in the roadway. 

As deputies were trying to disperse the crowd, gunshots were heard at approximately 3:36 a.m., and deputies entered the crowd looking for victims and/or suspects. They located one female victim suffering from injuries consistent with gunfire. The crowd was confrontational and began to interfere with the measures to render aid to the victim, physically pulling the deputies away as they attempted to provide CPR and lifesaving medical aid. Deputies had to evacuate the victim to a nearby patrol car and drive her to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.  

The victim has been identified as Natisha Covert, 5/19/84, black female. An additional victim was transported to the hospital by a friend; he has been listed as in critical but stable condition, after several surgeries.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is asking citizens with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (352) 372-7867 or contact the Sheriff’s office website or Facebook. Ms. Covert was a mother 8 children; please assist us in finding justice for her and her family as we seek the identity of the suspect.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Natisha Covert’s children.