Custodian Sentenced in Tragic Case Involving Drag Performer

The LGBTQ+ community is mourning the tragic loss of Curtis Marsh, a beloved figure known for his vibrant performances under the drag persona Touri Monroe. Curtis was a multifaceted individual, celebrated for his talents as a singer and hair stylist in Oakland, California. His life was cut short in a shocking incident that has left many searching for answers.

At the center of this heartbreaking case is Sweven Waterman, a 40-year-old senior custodian who was employed at the University of California, Berkeley. On March 4, 2023, Curtis Marsh's life was tragically ended in a violent crime, and Waterman now faces 11 years in prison after accepting a plea deal. Although Waterman was charged with voluntary manslaughter, the circumstances and motives behind the crime remain a mystery.

The Events of That Fateful Day

On the morning of the incident, neighbors reported hearing alarming screams at around 7:30 a.m. from the apartment complex where Curtis had lived for the past 15 years. Surveillance footage later revealed that a man, later identified as Waterman, arrived at the complex at approximately 5:17 a.m. on a rentable Lime scooter. He was seen leaving shortly after the tragic event.

Curtis’s apartment was found in a horrifying state, with his body discovered on the balcony and evidence of a fire within the premises. The swift response of the building's automatic water sprinklers managed to extinguish the flames before law enforcement officials arrived at the scene. Police investigations later confirmed that Waterman’s DNA was present on a knife believed to be the murder weapon, lending credence to their case against him.

A Community in Shock

The impact of Curtis Marsh's death has been profound, resonating deeply within the local and broader LGBTQ+ communities. Neighbors have expressed disbelief at the violence that took away a man known for his kindness and creativity. Curtis’s friend, DeeDee Twine, spoke movingly about their long-standing friendship, recalling his generosity and the positive role he played in her family’s life. "When they took him away from our family, they stole a treasure," she lamented.

The Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus, with whom Curtis performed, also paid tribute to his memory. Steven Smith, a member of the chorus, fondly remembered Curtis as a sweet and humorous individual, blessed with an "accomplished musician" status and a "beautiful, beautiful voice."

The Legal Proceedings and Unanswered Questions

The courtroom proceedings, which concluded with Waterman's sentencing, have left many questions unanswered. Despite the evidence presented, including Waterman's DNA connection to the crime scene, the nature of his relationship with Curtis remains unknown. During the sentencing hearing, Waterman chose to remain silent, further deepening the enigma surrounding the case.

Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Jake O'Malley acknowledged the gaps in understanding what precisely unfolded during the tragic incident. "We may never know what events transpired in that apartment," O'Malley stated, "Nevertheless, for the purposes of today … the defendant was in that apartment when Curtis was killed, and his DNA is on the weapon."

Victim impact statements read in court highlighted the deep loss felt by Curtis’s family and friends. His mother, Jacquelyn Kersh, expressed her grief and longing for her eldest son, emphasizing his legacy as a "caring, loving and giving person."

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the violence that still affects individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. It underscores the importance of vigilance and support for marginalized communities that continue to face unique challenges and threats.

As the community grapples with this loss, Curtis Marsh is remembered not only for his talent and warmth but for the joy he brought to many lives. His legacy as Touri Monroe will continue to inspire and resonate with those who knew him.

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