Lincoln University Track Athlete Kevaughn Goldson Fatally Stabbed; Girlfriend Arrested and Charged With Murder

A tragic incident has rocked the Lincoln University community in Jefferson City, Missouri, following the fatal stabbing of a collegiate track and field athlete early Monday morning. Kevaughn Goldson, a 23-year-old senior sprinter from Kingston, Jamaica, died after being stabbed during an altercation at an off-campus residence. Authorities have arrested his girlfriend, 27-year-old Denita Atiyah Jackson, and charged her with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

What Happened

According to court documents and police reports, officers with the Jefferson City Police Department were called to a residence on Fairmount Boulevard at approximately 1:09 a.m. on Monday following a 911 call about a stabbing. When officers arrived, they found Goldson suffering from stab wounds to both his chest and back. He was airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia, where he later died during surgery from his injuries.

Goldson was a standout member of the Lincoln University track and field team, known for his speed and dedication on the track. The men’s team and broader university community have been left stunned and grieving by the sudden and violent loss of a promising athlete.

Arrest and Charges

Police arrested Denita Jackson, also a senior on Lincoln University’s women’s track and field team, at the scene. Prosecutors charged her with second-degree murder under Missouri law and armed criminal action — a charge tied to the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony. Jackson is currently being held without bond at the Cole County Jail awaiting future court proceedings.

Court filings describe a volatile relationship between Jackson and Goldson, including reports of previous domestic violence incidents, though details beyond those general references have not been publicly detailed.

What Led to the Altercation

Initial investigative reports indicate the confrontation began after Jackson reportedly returned home early from work around 1 a.m. on Monday, saying she was “not feeling well.” Upon her return, Jackson allegedly heard noises behind a locked bedroom door. Using a hair clip, she gained entry and claimed to find Goldson and her roommate in the bed together — though both were fully clothed.

According to her account, a physical struggle ensued: Jackson claims Goldson kicked her in the stomach and then got on top of her, beginning to choke her. At that point, she said she reached for a knife under a bed and stabbed Goldson once in the back and then once in the chest. She then called 911, reporting the incident.

Police have not publicly verified whether additional witnesses will face questioning or if more charges may follow as the investigation continues. No court date has yet been set as of this writing.

University and Community Response

Lincoln University released a brief statement acknowledging the death of one of its students and expressing condolences to Goldson’s family, friends, faculty and teammates. The university also reminded students and staff that counseling and support services are available to those impacted by the incident.

The school’s athletics department described Goldson as a dedicated and respected member of the track team, and many classmates and coaches have shared their shock and sorrow on social media, highlighting the ripple effect this tragedy is having across the campus community.

Remembering Kevaughn Goldson

Goldson’s tragic death has left teammates and friends mourning the loss of a young athlete with both a bright future and a passion for his sport. As a senior at Lincoln University, he was poised to finish his academic and athletic career before this devastating event.

Officials from the Jefferson City Police Department continue to investigate the case as they work through interviews and evidence. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward, and updates are expected as the legal process unfolds.