The family of Stephen "Zumbi" Gaines and their attorney have spoken out regarding the Zion I rapper's suspicious death at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California last August. Days after The Mercury News reported no criminal charges would be filed—despite the coroner ruling Gaines' death a homicide—Berkeley lawyer Elizabeth Grossman issued a statement refuting the notion.
"We are not sure who is responsible for the misinformation in the article, but I spoke directly with [District Attorney] Nancy O’Malley today and a final decision has not been made," Grossman said.
The statement continued, "This comes as a relief to the family and friends of Zumbi, including his mother Carolyn Gaines, who have been waiting for more than a year for the Coroner and Berkeley Police to complete their homicide investigation.”
Carolyn spoke with O’Malley for over an hour about the incident. She added, “Nothing has been finalized on criminal charges related to my son’s death. I feel assured and confident that this case is not over and criminal charges remain likely. I am holding steadfast that the institutions responsible for my son’s death will be held accountable.”
Gaines died on August 13, 2021, shortly after checking in to Alta Bates with complications related to COVID-19. There, hospital staff alleged he suffered a "psychotic episode." Subsequently, three staffers held him down for several minutes as they waited for police. Police later admitted they didn’t realize Gaines—who was asthmatic—had blood coming out of his nose and was unconscious until after they placed him in handcuffs.
A spokesperson for Alta Bates Summit Medical Center said the hospital “has fully cooperated with Alameda County’s investigation into this tragic incident” and added, “We defer to the authorities for any further comment.”
Gaines' family is hoping someone will be held accountable for his death. O'Malley is expected to continue reviewing the case. Stay tuned for updates.
