A Lincoln University student-athlete died early Monday after an alleged stabbing that authorities say was carried out by his girlfriend, who now faces a murder charge, according to multiple reports.
Police in Missouri confirmed that 23-year-old Kevaughn Goldson, a member of the school’s track and field team, was found with multiple stab wounds after officers responded to a disturbance near the university campus around 1:09 a.m. Monday. He was airlifted to University Hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to the Jefferson City Police Department.
Denita Jackson, also a Lincoln University track athlete, was arrested at the scene and later charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action, according to ABC 17.
In court documents obtained by local media and released by TMZ, Jackson told investigators she acted in self-defense. She reported that she returned home early Sunday night, claiming she was ill, and discovered Goldson — her boyfriend — in her roommate’s locked bedroom.
An argument reportedly turned violent when Goldson allegedly kicked Jackson in the stomach and began choking her, according to her statement to police. Jackson said she reached for a knife under the bed and stabbed him before calling 911, the website reported.
Authorities say Jackson was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Cole County Jail in Missouri. Prosecutors announced formal charges later that day.
In a statement, Lincoln University extended condolences to all those affected, calling it “a tragic situation” and asking the campus community to keep Goldson’s family and friends in their thoughts and prayers.
The investigation remains ongoing, police said.
