Carolyn Gaines, the mother of the late Zumbi, wants to see progress in the homicide investigation into the Zion I member’s death.
Bay Area Hip Hop staple Stephen “Zumbi” Gaines of Zion I unexpectedly passed away last August at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California. His death followed a bout with COVID-19, which many assumed led to his premature passing. But days later, The San Francisco Chronicle revealed Zumbi’s death was being investigated as a homicide, leading to justifiable confusion.
According to the article, Zumbi allegedly got into a “physical altercation” as he recovered from COVID-19. Lt. Melanie Turner said Berkeley police responded to calls at 5:16 a.m. local time from patients and staff at the hospital about a patient involved in a tussle with nurses and security officers, who reportedly had him pinned down on the ground.
Turner said upon arrival “officers started handcuffing the involved person and determined that he needed immediate medical assistance.” Police began lifesaving measures until Alta Bates staff were able to assist, but “unfortunately and sadly he was pronounced deceased on the scene.”
Months later, Zumbi’s mother Carolyn Gaines is pleading for the investigation to move forward. She says there’s been no progress because police are waiting on a coroner’s report.
“I am dedicated to seeking justice for his killing,” she wrote in a statement. “My son did not die from COVID. My son did not die from a heart attack.”
She explained, “We are waiting for the Berkeley police to complete their homicide investigation. They say their delay is caused by not having a completed coroner’s report. I beg the officials to complete their official duties.”
Carolyn Gaines wants the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and Allied Universal to be held responsible for her son’s death. She hopes the investigation will reveal how Zumbi truly died.
“I pray that as soon as the Alameda County District Attorney reviews the evidence that they will prosecute Alta Bates, Allied Universal and their employees for killing my beautiful son,” she wrote. “We ask for your consideration and understanding as this process moves forward.”
She added, “There will be a time for thoughtful, peaceful and considered action from the community. For now, we seek your respect, support and understanding as we grieve and seek answers.”
Read the entire statement by Zumbi’s mother below.
The post Mother Of Zion I’s Zumbi Asks For Investigation Into His Death To Proceed appeared first on MusixFlix.
