Former Kansas police detective Roger Golubski found dead ahead of trial on kidnapping, rape charges

A former Kansas police detective, Roger Golubski, was found dead at his home in Edwardsville on Monday morning, just before his long-awaited trial was set to begin. The 71-year-old, who faced charges of kidnapping and raping two women decades ago, was discovered by authorities after he missed jury selection. Investigators believe Golubski died by suicide, although the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has stated that his death remains under investigation with no immediate signs of foul play.

Golubski had been accused of using his position as a police officer in Kansas City, Kansas, to target vulnerable Black women for sexual assault over the span of several decades. Prosecutors argued that he chose his victims carefully, knowing they would be unlikely to be believed. Despite these allegations, Golubski maintained his innocence, with his defense attorney asserting that his client’s death should not be viewed as an admission of guilt.

The charges against Golubski gained national attention after a civil case brought forward by Lamonte McIntyre, a Kansas City man wrongfully convicted of a double murder in 1994. Golubski was accused of playing a role in framing McIntyre, who was released from prison in 2017 after serving over two decades. This case led to a $12.5 million settlement, though Golubski and his former department denied any wrongdoing.

Following news of Golubski’s death, Cheryl Pilate, the attorney for the McIntyre family, called for an independent investigation. The case had sparked significant public outcry, including a high-profile ad from Jay-Z’s Team Roc, which condemned the police abuse. Federal authorities had been preparing to present their case, which hinged on the testimony of Golubski's accusers.