On August 13, 2021, it was reported that beloved Bay Area rapper, Stephen 'Zumbi' Gaines of the hip hop group Zion I had passed away at Alta Bates hospital in Berkeley, California.  The news sent shockwaves in the Bay Area community.  Initially, the reporting alluded that his death was Covid-related.  But days later, the SF Chronicle reported that Gaines actually died under questionable circumstances and was being investigated as a homicide: 

"In response to an inquiry from The Chronicle about the case, Berkeley police Lt. Melanie Turner said police responded to calls at 5:16 a.m. Friday from Alta Bates hospital patients and staff about a patient involved in a physical altercation with nurses and hospital security officers. Security officers reportedly had the patient pinned down, said Turner, who declined to identify the patient by name. 

Turner said the circumstances that preceded the altercation were under investigation.

Upon arrival, “officers started handcuffing the involved person and determined that he needed immediate medical assistance,” Turner said. Police began lifesaving measures until Alta Bates staff were able to take over, she said, but “unfortunately and sadly he was pronounced deceased on the scene.”

Police Department homicide detectives are investigating, Turner said. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office was notified and, during the preliminary investigation, determined no force was used by Berkeley police officers, Turner said."

Today on Zion I's Instagram, Zumbi's mother released the first statement on since the passing of her son:

Stephen Gaines, best known as Zumbi of Zion I, was my son.

These last six months of living his loss daily have been the most painful experience of my life.

His one of a kind beauty lives on in his words and love of his sons which has made each of them amazing beings.

I am dedicated to seeking justice for his killing.

My son did not die from COVID.

My son did not die from a heart attack.

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.

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.

We ask for your consideration and understanding as this process moves forward.

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.

The family asks that you share information or concerns with our attorneys, Elizabeth Grossman and Lyn Agre, who are seeking justice with our blessing and on our behalf. They can be reached at 510.548.5106 or office@elizabethgrossmanlaw.com.

Please know that as information becomes available, we will share the details as we get them.

Peace and Blessings.

Carolyn Gaines

#justiceforzumbi