“New Year’s Evil”: ’20/20′ Investigates Shele Danishefsky & Rod Covlin Case December 29 2023
When Shele Covlin, a 47-year-old mother of two and a successful banker, was discovered lifeless in her Upper West Side Manhattan apartment bathtub, it initially appeared to be a tragic accident. However, suspicions surrounding her estranged husband, Rod Covlin, quickly arose, especially after authorities conducted an exhumation of her body, revealing a shocking truth: Shele had been strangled. In a new episode of “20/20,” co-anchor Deborah Roberts delves into the secrets unearthed during the extensive investigation, which spanned several years. These revelations include allegations of domestic abuse and the startling revelation that just one day before her death, Shele had made the decision to remove Rod from her multimillion-dollar will, ultimately leading to his incarceration.
This two-hour program also showcases an exclusive interview conducted by Deborah Roberts with Rod Covlin, the convicted murderer. Additionally, it features interviews with key family members of the estranged couple, Rod’s former girlfriend, whose testimony played a pivotal role in cracking the case, the attorney who provided legal guidance to Shele during her divorce and custody battle, the NYPD detectives who worked tirelessly on the investigation, and more. “20/20” is scheduled to air on Friday, December 29th, from 9:01 to 10:00 p.m. EST on ABC. Original Air Date of this episode was January 27, 2023.
Contents
Background of the Case
Shele Danishefsky, a 47-year-old accomplished investment banker and a mother of two, was discovered lifeless in her bathtub on December 31, 2009. Her estranged husband, Roderick Covlin, stated that he found her in this condition and tried to administer CPR before calling 911. Initial investigations pointed towards a possible accidental fall, a theory supported by the presence of a partially damaged cabinet door nearby.
Danishefsky and Covlin’s marriage began in 1998 following a whirlwind romance but gradually deteriorated over the years. Allegations of Covlin’s violent temper and lack of ambition strained their relationship, in stark contrast to Danishefsky’s success as a wealth manager. The couple’s difficulties were compounded by the loss of a set of twins and Covlin’s growing obsession with backgammon.
The breaking point for Danishefsky came when she discovered Covlin’s infidelity. Despite their separation and Covlin’s move to an adjacent apartment, tensions continued to escalate. Covlin allegedly made false accusations against Danishefsky to her employer and tarnished her character, painting a picture of a bitter and tumultuous divorce.
Suspicion and Investigation
Following Danishefsky’s death, her Orthodox Jewish family initially declined to have an autopsy conducted. However, as suspicions regarding Covlin’s involvement grew, they eventually consented to the exhumation of her body. The autopsy revealed a broken hyoid bone, which is indicative of strangulation, leading to the reclassification of the case as a homicide.
The Trial and Conviction
In 2015, Covlin was arrested for the murder of Shele Danishefsky. The trial that took place in 2019 uncovered startling allegations, including Covlin’s purported attempts to harm his parents and frame his daughter for Danishefsky’s death. Despite the efforts of his defense team to emphasize the lack of physical evidence, Covlin was found guilty of second-degree murder.
Currently, Covlin is endeavoring to have his conviction overturned, citing prosecutorial misconduct. He maintains his innocence, suggesting that Danishefsky’s death was a tragic accident, possibly related to her health issues. However, this assertion contradicts the substantial body of evidence presented during the trial.
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