A tragic incident in Jefferson City, Missouri, has led to the death of a college track athlete. Kevaughn Goldson, a 23-year-old sprinter at Lincoln University, was allegedly stabbed by his girlfriend, Denita Jackson, 27, following a confrontation after she found him in bed with her roommate. Jackson has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.
The events unfolded early on the morning of February 24, 2026. According to court documents, Jackson returned home around 1 a.m. after feeling unwell at work. She had left Goldson in her bedroom just hours earlier. Upon entering her apartment, she heard voices coming from her roommate’s room, which was locked.
Using a hair clip to unlock the door, Jackson discovered Goldson and her roommate in bed together. Both individuals were fully dressed at the time. Witnesses report that Jackson immediately confronted Goldson, leading to a physical altercation. During the struggle, Jackson claimed that Goldson kicked her, causing her to fall off the bed. She alleges that Goldson then climbed on top of her and began to choke her.
In a moment of panic, Jackson retrieved a knife from under the roommate’s bed. She stated that she stabbed Goldson in both the back and chest during the confrontation.
Jefferson City Police Department officers responded to a 911 call from Jackson at 1:09 a.m.. Goldson was transported to the Capital Region Emergency Room but was later transferred by helicopter to University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during surgery.
Jackson was arrested and is currently being held at the Cole County Jail without bond. In a statement, Lincoln University expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with family, friends, faculty, staff, and all who have been impacted by this tragic situation.”
This incident highlights the complexities of personal relationships and the potential for violence that can arise. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community continues to grapple with the loss of a young athlete with a promising future.
