Tragic Stabbing Near Lincoln University Campus Claims Student's Life
A devastating incident of domestic violence has left the Jefferson City community in shock after 21-year-old Kevaughn Goldson died from multiple stab wounds in the early hours of Monday morning. The fatal altercation occurred at an off-campus residence near Lincoln University, sending ripples of grief through the academic community.
Emergency Response and Fatal Injuries
Jefferson City Police Department officers responded to a frantic 911 call at precisely 1:09 a.m. on Monday morning. Upon arrival at the residence, first responders discovered Goldson suffering from severe injuries to both his chest and back. The young student was immediately airlifted to University Hospital for emergency treatment, where medical personnel fought to save his life. Tragically, Goldson succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival at the medical facility.
Arrest and Formal Charges Filed
Authorities swiftly arrested Denita Jackson, a 21-year-old sprinter on Lincoln University's track and field team, at the scene of the incident. Prosecutors have since filed formal charges against Jackson, including first-degree murder and armed criminal action. She remains in custody at the Cole County jail as the investigation continues to unfold. Police confirmed that a roommate present in the apartment during the incident was not injured and has not faced any charges related to the case.
University Response and Community Impact
Lincoln University officials released an official statement expressing profound sorrow over what they described as a "tragic situation." The university administration extended their prayers and deepest condolences to Goldson's family and friends while announcing plans to provide comprehensive support services for students impacted by the violent incident. The university community has been left searching for answers as details continue to emerge about this heartbreaking case.
Jackson's Account of the Confrontation
According to police investigators, Jackson provided a detailed statement about the events leading to the fatal stabbing. She told officers that she had left work early on Sunday evening because she was feeling unwell. Upon returning to her residence, Jackson claimed she found her boyfriend, Kevaughn Goldson, inside her roommate's bedroom with the door locked.
Jackson stated that she used a hair clip to unlock the bedroom door and discovered Goldson and the roommate together in bed, though both were fully clothed. Her account describes a physical altercation that followed this discovery. Jackson alleged that Goldson kicked her in the stomach, causing her to fall, and then began choking her during the confrontation.
The Fatal Moment and Aftermath
In her statement to police, Jackson claimed that during the struggle, she reached under the roommate's bed, retrieved a knife, and stabbed Goldson before immediately calling 911 for emergency assistance. Authorities are continuing to review all evidence and statements as the case progresses through the judicial system. Few additional details about Goldson's background have been made public as investigators continue their meticulous work gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The Jefferson City Police Department has emphasized that this remains an active investigation, with officers working diligently to piece together the complete sequence of events that led to this tragic loss of life. The case has drawn significant attention to issues of domestic violence and campus safety, prompting difficult conversations within the university community and beyond.
