Rod Covlin: Where Is He Now?
On December 31, 2009, tragedy struck the Danishefsky family in their Upper West Side Manhattan home. Shele Danishefsky, a successful investment banker and mother of two, was discovered lifeless in her bathtub, initially thought to be a deeply unfortunate accident.
A central figure in this unfolding tragedy was Roderick Covlin, then 45 years old. Initially seen as a grieving husband, Covlin’s role gradually shifted to that of the primary suspect, ultimately resulting in his conviction for second-degree murder.
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The Early Years
The couple’s journey commenced with a spark of romance at a Jewish singles mixer in 1998, rapidly evolving into marriage and the birth of their two children. However, their relationship eroded over time, marred by allegations of Covlin’s volatile temper, infidelity, and financial instability.
Struggling to match his wife’s achievements, Rod Covlin purportedly descended into a life marked by aimless visits to the gym, an obsession with backgammon, and extramarital affairs. Despite their separation, Covlin continued to live across the hall to maintain a sense of normalcy for the sake of their children.
The Unraveling
Following their separation, Covlin’s behavior grew increasingly contentious. He was accused of tarnishing Danishefsky’s reputation with her employer and engaging in a contentious custody battle. Descriptions of his conduct, as provided by Danishefsky’s divorce attorney, painted a picture of a man who was both demeaning and manipulative.
Initially, Shele’s death appeared to be a tragic accident, and suspicions only arose later. In line with Orthodox Jewish traditions, her family initially opted against an autopsy. However, growing doubts led to the decision to exhume her body, revealing that she had been strangled – a homicide.
The Trial and Conviction
In 2015, Covlin was arrested, and the subsequent trial in 2019 brought forth startling allegations, including purported plans to harm his own parents. The prosecution portrayed Covlin as a man driven by greed, desperately seeking to claim Danishefsky’s $5 million estate.
Covlin’s defense underscored the absence of direct evidence, but the jury remained unconvinced. Ultimately, he was convicted of second-degree murder and received a sentence of 25 years to life. He has consistently maintained his innocence, alleging prosecutorial misconduct and vigorously pursuing avenues to overturn his conviction.
Current Whereabouts of Rod Covlin
Presently, Rod Covlin remains incarcerated at the Attica Correctional Facility, resolute in his claims of innocence. His legal journey has been characterized by unsuccessful appeals and persistent legal battles. Despite these setbacks, he continues to hold hope for a retrial or the overturning of his conviction.
