A former Kansas police detective, Roger Golubski, who was accused of sexually assaulting black women and girls and intimidating those who resisted, died on Monday from a gunshot wound just as his trial was about to commence, officials reported.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation stated that there is no evidence of foul play in the 71-year-old’s death. Golubski was found dead on his back porch in Edwardsville, near Kansas City, Kansas after a resident reported hearing a gunshot.
Prosecutors allege that for many years, women in impoverished areas of Kansas City, Kansas, feared encountering Golubski, as he would demand sexual favours and threaten to harm or imprison their relatives. Golubski faced six felony charges for violating women’s civil rights but did not show up in court on Monday for jury selection. Prosecutors later confirmed his death in court without specifying the cause or timing.
The allegations, which assert that Golubski exploited women for decades without consequence, have enraged the community and exacerbated longstanding mistrust of law enforcement. The prosecution of Golubski followed national reports of similar misconduct, where numerous officers have lost their positions due to sexual assault allegations.
Cheryl Pilate, an attorney representing the alleged victims, called for an independent investigation into Golubski’s death, separate from local police authorities.
Pilate stated, “The community was looking forward to justice, to a full and public accounting and now that has been denied to them.”
Approximately 50 people held a brief rally in freezing temperatures outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, supporting the women accusing Golubski. They displayed signs with messages like “Justice Now!” but dispersed before the announcement of his death.
Golubski had pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lead attorney, Christopher Joseph, remarked that his client was distressed by media coverage after Golubski failed to appear in court on Monday.
US District Judge Toby Crouse dismissed the case against Golubski at the prosecutors’ request. Joseph described Golubski’s death as “truly unexpected.”
“I don’t know the details,” he told reporters as he left the courtroom.
Golubski had been accused of sexually assaulting one woman from her early teens and another after her sons were arrested.
Frances Ibiefo
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