Chicago woman accepts plea deal in partner's death, avoids murder trial
Keshia Golden's trial was scheduled to begin Monday.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago woman charged with murder in the death of her partner accepted a plea deal Monday, avoiding a trial and returning home to her daughter, but leaving court with a felony conviction supporters say will have lasting consequences.
Keshia Golden pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Calvin Sydney and was sentenced to 24 months of probation. Domestic violence advocates and supporters gathered outside the Leighton Criminal Courthouse to support Golden, who had faced a murder charge.
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Golden said she accepted the plea deal to avoid putting her child through a trial.
"I feel like I did the right thing for my child instead of putting this all on on the trial and putting it all on social media, and I do not want to hurt my child no more than what she already hurt. All she have is me," Golden said.
Golden's mother, Tarsha Ellis, said she was grateful her daughter would be able to remain with her family.
"It's a blessing to have my daughter here to raise her her daughter. You know, and I'm grateful for that. So she took the plea. She's not guilty, but she took it to stay home with her daughter, and she got to take care of me," Ellis said.
According to Golden's attorneys, Golden was eight months pregnant in 2022 when she stabbed Sydney once in the leg. Sydney died from the injury.
Her attorneys said Golden called 911 about 50 times after being beaten and strangled by Sydney in 2021 and 2022 and had obtained an order of protection in 2020.
They said that on Oct. 23, 2022, after her baby shower, Sydney allegedly bashed Golden's head into a counter several times. Golden's attorneys and supporters contend she acted in self-defense and questioned why she was charged despite what they describe as a documented history of domestic violence.
"We stand with her decision because she has never been able to rely on the justice system. She's scared. When has the the justice system ever supported Keshia?" assistant public defender Julie Koehler said.
Sydney's relatives declined to comment.
Symmieona Goss, who said she has children with Sydney, disputed Golden's allegations of abuse and criticized the outcome of the case.
"They just let a murderer get away scot-free basically: 24 months probation and community service for murder," Goss said.
During the court hearing, Golden apologized to Sydney's family.
"Yes, I apologize, but I know that apology is not going to bring him back. But I have to wake up every morning and look at my daughter, and I see Calvin in her. So I do apologize sincerely," she said.
The Cook County State's Attorney's Office declined an interview and issued a statement saying, "The Cook County State's Attorney's Office recognizes the complexities of domestic violence and the importance of thoughtfully reviewing the full circumstances surrounding each case. At the same time, the CCSAO is charged with and committed to seeking justice for victims and their families. After a careful review of the evidence and applicable law, prosecutors previously offered to resolve this case in March with a plea that the defendant rejected. Today's resolution reflects our commitment to making fair evidence-based decisions that consider the full circumstances of each case and serve the interests of justice."
Golden said she now hopes to advocate for domestic violence survivors and urged people in abusive relationships to seek help.
"Please get out. Please don't stay pregnant; don't stay because you love that person because it's never gonna stop. It never will stop unless you want to be fighting a case for defending yourself," she said.
Golden chose the plea agreement rather than face an uncertain outcome at trial. Her probation will require regular check-ins, which her attorneys noted she has already been doing for the past four years.
Her attorneys said they plan to ask Gov. JB Pritzker for a pardon. In the meantime, the felony conviction prevents Golden from becoming a nursing assistant, a job for which she trained, and is expected to affect her housing opportunities.
While the murder trial, which was set to begin Monday, has been avoided, supporters say the repercussions of the case will continue to affect Golden and her daughter long after the court proceedings have ended.
You can contact the Illinois domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 click here for more information.
