A tragic and violent incident has rocked the campus of Lincoln University in Missouri, resulting in the death of a promising young athlete and the arrest of his girlfriend on murder charges. The case involves a complex web of romantic betrayal, alleged domestic violence, and a fatal confrontation that unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning.
Victim and Suspect Identified
The victim has been identified as Kevaughn Goldson, a 23-year-old sprinter on the Lincoln University track and field team. The suspect is Denita Jackson, a 27-year-old fellow sprinter at the same university, who was in a romantic relationship with Goldson. Jackson now faces serious charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action following the deadly altercation.
A History of Turbulence
Court documents have revealed that the couple's relationship was not without its difficulties. Authorities note there was a documented history of violent encounters between Jackson and Goldson, suggesting underlying tensions that may have contributed to the fatal escalation. This background adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, as detectives piece together the events leading to the stabbing.
The Fatal Night Unfolds
According to police reports, the incident began when Jackson returned home early from work on Monday morning, citing that she was not feeling well. She had left Goldson in her bedroom just hours earlier, expecting to find him there upon her return. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when she arrived at the residence on Fairmount Boulevard around 1 a.m.
Upon entering the home, Jackson reportedly heard her roommate conversing with someone behind a locked bedroom door. Using a hair clip to gain entry, she discovered Goldson and her roommate together in bed, both fully clothed. This discovery allegedly triggered an immediate and violent reaction from Jackson.
The Confrontation Escalates
Witness statements and police accounts indicate that Jackson leaped onto the bed and initiated a physical fight with Goldson. In response, Goldson retaliated by kicking Jackson in the stomach, causing her to fall off the bed. Jackson claims that Goldson then got on top of her and began to choke her, a claim that is under investigation as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
It was at this critical moment, according to Jackson's testimony, that she reached under the roommate's bed, grabbed a knife, and stabbed Goldson multiple times in both the back and chest. The severity of the wounds proved fatal despite immediate medical intervention.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Jefferson City Police Department officers were dispatched to the scene at 1:09 a.m. after Jackson placed a 911 call. Goldson was initially transported to the Capital Region Emergency Room, but due to the gravity of his injuries, he was later transferred by helicopter to University Hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to his wounds during surgery, marking a devastating loss for the university community.
Jackson was promptly arrested and booked into the Cole County Jail, where she is being held without bond as the legal process unfolds. The case has sent shockwaves through Lincoln University, prompting an official statement from the institution.
University Response
"Our thoughts are with family, friends, faculty, staff, and all who have been impacted by this tragic situation," Lincoln University stated, acknowledging the profound grief and disruption caused by the incident. The university is expected to provide counseling and support services to students and staff affected by the loss of a fellow athlete and the serious charges facing another.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining all aspects of the case, including the couple's history of violence, the circumstances of the stabbing, and the legal implications for Jackson. The community awaits further developments in this heartbreaking story of love, betrayal, and violence.
