New Kensington mother accused of locking teen kids out of home

A New Kensington woman is facing child endangerment charges after, police say, she changed the locks to her home, locking out her teenage daughter and son.

Police filed two counts of endangering the welfare of children against Shayla Marie Covington, 35, of Leishman Avenue on Sept. 14. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the charges Oct. 20 before New Kensington District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr.

In a criminal complaint against Covington, New Kensington police said officers went to her Leishman Avenue address the afternoon of Aug. 31 after Covington’s 17-year-old daughter reported that her mother had changed the locks and that she and her brother, 15, could not get into the house to get clothes.

Police said the girl showed them text messages from their mother sent that day. According to the complaint, the messages said, “I’m changing my locks now… ima show you something!,” “naw you aint allowed in here,” “go buy yaself new clothes,” and “I don’t know who you think you talkin too… I will drag you… and won’t care!”

Police said they were unable to contact Covington despite multiple attempts. The teens were released to their cousin, who agreed to take custody of them until their mother could be reached, the complaint said.

Police said Covington does not own the home. An officer contacted the owner, who, according to the complaint, said Covington did not have permission to change the locks.

Covington did not have an attorney listed in court records.

Police said the incident was reported to ChildLine, which is part of a mandated statewide child protective services program that accepts child abuse referrals and general child well-being concerns.