A college athlete has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action after allegedly stabbing her boyfriend, also a fellow student-athlete, during an altercation at their shared residence in Jefferson City, Missouri. Denita Jackson, 33, a sprinter for Lincoln University’s Women’s Track and Field team, was arrested in connection with the death of her boyfriend, 23-year-old Kevaughn Goldson, who was also a student and track athlete at the university.
The Fatal Stabbing
On February 23, 2026, Jackson was charged with the stabbing death of Goldson after a violent altercation took place at her apartment. According to a probable cause statement obtained by PEOPLE, Jackson admitted to stabbing Goldson after discovering him in bed with her roommate, with whom she suspected he had been having an affair.
The events leading up to the fatal stabbing began on February 21, 2026, when Goldson stayed the night at Jackson’s residence. Jackson told police that the morning after, she left for work despite not feeling well, leaving Goldson asleep in her bed. When she returned home early, she found her bedding in disarray, and Goldson was no longer in the room.
Suspicious of his actions, Jackson allegedly forced her way into her roommate’s room using a hair clip and discovered Goldson in bed with the roommate. The situation escalated when Jackson grabbed a bottle of cologne, which had reportedly been the source of a recent argument between the couple, and physically confronted Goldson. Jackson claimed that Goldson kicked her in the stomach, causing her to fall and hit a mirror.
A Violent Confrontation
According to court documents, the altercation became more physical when Goldson allegedly pinned Jackson to the floor and began choking her. As Jackson struggled to free herself, she claimed to have spotted a knife under the bed and grabbed it. She then allegedly stabbed Goldson in the back. When he did not immediately react as if he had been stabbed, Jackson reportedly stabbed him again in the chest.
After the stabbing, Jackson called 911 to report the incident, telling authorities that she had stabbed Goldson after he had attacked her. However, despite the severity of his injuries, Goldson was taken to a hospital where he later succumbed to his wounds during surgery.
A Volatile Relationship
The investigation into the stabbing revealed that Jackson and Goldson had a volatile relationship that had been marked by previous instances of conflict and domestic violence. According to the probable cause affidavit, Jackson admitted that she and Goldson had been involved in multiple physical altercations in the past. Friends and family members of the couple were aware of the tension in their relationship, and some had even advised Jackson to stay away from Goldson.
Jackson explained that the argument over the broken cologne bottle was the most recent in a series of disputes between them. She claimed that she agreed to buy Goldson a new bottle, but the situation quickly spiraled out of control when she discovered him with her roommate.
The Impact on the University Community
Jackson and Goldson were both student-athletes at Lincoln University, and their deaths have sent shockwaves through the university community. In a statement released by the university, officials expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. “Our thoughts are with family, friends, faculty, staff, and all who have been impacted by this tragic situation,” the university said.
The university also offered counseling and support services to students and staff affected by the incident. “The well-being of our University community is our greatest priority,” the statement continued.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Following the stabbing, Jackson was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. She remains in custody, and the case is currently being investigated by local authorities. As of now, no court hearings have been scheduled for Jackson, but she is expected to face trial for her role in Goldson’s death.
Her attorney has not yet made any public statements regarding the charges, and it remains unclear whether she will enter a plea in the case.
Goldson’s family, who were devastated by the loss of their son, have expressed their grief over the tragic incident. The situation has sparked a wider conversation about domestic violence and the need for better support systems for those involved in abusive relationships.
Calls for Domestic Violence Awareness
The death of Kevaughn Goldson has drawn attention to the dangers of unresolved domestic conflict and the importance of seeking help when in abusive relationships. Experts in the field of domestic violence emphasize the need for intervention and support, particularly when individuals are caught in cycles of violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it is crucial to seek help immediately. There are resources available to offer support, including the National Domestic Violence H๏τline, which can connect individuals to counselors and safety resources.
A Life Cut Short
Goldson’s family, friends, and those who knew him are grieving the loss of a talented young man with a bright future ahead. Goldson, a sprinter from Kingston, Jamaica, was a senior at Lincoln University and was known for his dedication to his sport. His tragic death has left many heartbroken, and his community mourns the loss of a life that was taken too soon.
As the investigation continues, the hope is that justice will be served for Goldson and that the tragedy of his death will raise awareness about the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of supporting individuals in need.