Chicago Woman Says She Acted in Self-Defense After Killing Boyfriend Following Baby Shower

An expectant mother from Chicago faced criminal charges after she allegedly killed her abusive boyfriend right after celebrating her baby shower. Defense attorneys for Keshia Golden claimed that it was the unborn child’s father who accused the woman first and that her actions were purely defensive.

​However, prosecutors alleged that the dispute began because of the use of a microwave at their home. In the heat of the moment, Golden used a knife on her boyfriend's leg, which resulted in his death.

​During a public rally on April 7, Keshia Golden’s attorney Julie Koehler detailed how the incident panned out. She claimed that her client’s boyfriend, Calvin Sidney, attacked first and grabbed his pregnant girlfriend’s hair before slamming her head on the kitchen counter.

​The attorney added that the couple’s fight escalated and moved to their bedroom. Prosecutors said Golden and Sidney were fighting over food from the microwave. The expectant mother allegedly threw away the plate from her boyfriend’s hand in the heat of the moment.

​While Calvin Sidney walked to one of the bedrooms during the argument, Golden followed him with a knife in her hand. As soon as Sidney lay down on the bed, she stabbed his leg. The knife perforated Sidney’s femoral artery, and he bled to death as a result.

​Several other court documents showed the couple had previously been involved in multiple domestic abuse cases. There were at least five police reports involving both Golden and Sidney, many of which included serious allegations of physical harm such as choking, punching and more.

​The details of the case have struck a chord with the public. In addition to the defense attorneys, the pregnant woman has received support from a huge number of people who believe her actions were justified. During a rally on April 7, supporters held signs in favor of Keshia Golden, who is now facing second-degree murder charges.

​On the other hand, prosecutors offered Golden a deal to resolve the case. It included a proposition to have a reduced charge of second-degree murder with no additional time served. But she turned it down.

​Explaining her decision, the Cook County Public Defender’s office said there is a need for women in abusive relationships to stand their ground. Sierra Barlett said, “I hope that Eileen O'Neill Burke [Cook County state's attorney] does the right thing, because this is telling the women of Cook County that if you are in a violent relationship and you try to defend yourself, you could be facing first-degree murder charges.”

​Barlett said that Golden was attacked violently by her boyfriend when she was 18 weeks pregnant. She added that Golden must be released from all charges and the earlier intervention could have helped address the couple's conflict.