On February 17, 2024, at approximately 2:00 a.m., 26-year-old Kejion Marques Cousins-Starkes was fatally shot while sitting in his car near Edmonton Drive and Northstead Drive in the South Natomas area of Sacramento, California. His vehicle subsequently crashed into a fence near two schools.
Kejion was a father, brother, and son, known for his love of music and his dedication to his family. He was a signed music artist and a loving father to his young son.
His mother, Tasha Cousins, described him as someone who had matured into the man he was going to be, expressing a renewed desire to live and thrive despite the challenges around him.
In the aftermath of his death, Tasha Cousins has been actively seeking justice for her son. She organized a justice and accountability rally near the site of the shooting, expressing frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation. Despite surveillance footage and tips, no arrests have been made, and she feels that more direct communication with law enforcement is necessary. The Sacramento Police Department has stated that the lead detective has been in contact with the victim's mother multiple times and that the investigation remains active.
As of now, no suspects have been publicly identified or arrested in connection with Kejion's murder. The case highlights broader concerns about gun violence in Sacramento, particularly its disproportionate impact on the Black community. Between 2019 and 2023, Black individuals accounted for approximately 52% of all gun-related deaths in Sacramento County, despite comprising roughly 12.6% of the population.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Kejion, with family and friends remembering him for his vibrant spirit and commitment to his loved ones. His death has galvanized calls for increased efforts to address gun violence and for justice to be served in his case.
