College Sprinter Charged with Murder of Boyfriend

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Denita Jackson, a college sprinter at Lincoln University in Missouri, has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the stabbing death of her boyfriend, Kevaughn Goldson, also a student-athlete at the university. According to court documents, Jackson allegedly stabbed Goldson after finding him in bed with her roommate.

Why it matters

The tragic incident highlights the issue of domestic violence among college students, particularly student-athletes, and raises questions about the support and resources available to address such situations on college campuses.

The details

Jackson allegedly called the police to the scene, stating that she had been in an altercation with Goldson and had stabbed him. When police arrived, they found Goldson with a stab wound to his chest and back. Goldson did not cooperate with police and later died in surgery. Jackson allegedly admitted to stabbing Goldson, claiming they had a volatile relationship and that she found him in bed with her roommate, leading to a physical altercation in which she grabbed a knife and stabbed him.

• On February 23, 2026, Jackson was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.
• The incident occurred on February 22, 2026, when Jackson allegedly found Goldson in bed with her roommate.

What’s next

As of publication, no court hearings have been scheduled for Jackson. The Cole County Prosecutor's Office is continuing to investigate the case.