Justice Sought for Beloved Performer: The Unresolved Case of Curtis Marsh's Tragic End

Seeking justice after a beloved performer's tragic death

The sudden and tragic death of Curtis Marsh has left a gaping hole in a community that adored him. Not too long ago, Sweven Waterman, who worked as a senior custodian at UC Berkeley and was 40 years old, received an 11-year prison sentence linked with this heart-wrenching event that occurred on March 4, 2023. Curtis Marsh, known not only as a talented 53-year-old Black singer and hairstylist but also adored as his drag persona, Touri Monroe, was a shining star within Oakland's lively LGBTQ+ scene.

The incident that rocked us all

It was a morning no one in Curtis's neighborhood will forget. Around 7:30 a.m., a neighbor heard terrifying screams coming from Curtis's apartment. When help arrived, Curtis was discovered on his balcony, a victim with multiple stab wounds. Although a fire had been set in his apartment, thankfully, sprinklers put it out before it could spread and destroy more.

CCTV footage showed a man entering Curtis's building on a Lime scooter around 5:17 a.m. He left shortly after those haunting screams. Tracing that scooter led authorities straight back  to Waterman, whose DNA matched traces found on a blood-stained knife at Curtis's place—the suspected murder weapon.

Questions that haunt us

Though Waterman agreed on a plea deal admitting voluntary manslaughter, there are still too many unanswered questions about how he knew Curtis. At his sentencing on January 31, Waterman said nothing, leaving us all wondering what exactly led up  to this tragic event.

Waterman had a criminal past—things like robbery, forgery, and stealing cars. But nobody really seems sure why he ended up in Curtis's place or whether he took anything when it all went down. "We might never fully know what went down in that apartment," Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Jake O'Malley said. "But what's clear right now… Waterman was there when Curtis lost his life, and his DNA's on that weapon."

A community in mourning

Curtis's death has deeply affected everyone who knew him, especially those who saw him as a friend and family. "Curtis was such an incredible person in our lives," shared DeeDee Twine, a friend since their school days in Iowa before moving together out West in their 20s. "I can't even fathom why anyone would want him hurt. Losing Curtis has been like losing a treasure," DeeDee said.

Steven Smith, who sang alongside Curtis in Oakland Gay Men's Chorus, shared fond memories: "He was wonderfully sweet and hilarious. An amazing musician with a stunning voice." Curtis's warmth and talent left a lasting impression on everyone.

Honoring Curtis Marsh's memory

It was an emotional scene during Waterman's sentencing as people shared how much Curtis meant. Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Colleen Claire Clark read statements that moved everyone present. Curtis's mother, Jacquelyn Kershaw, expressed her grief vividly: "You took away my eldest son, but also someone cherished as caring, loving, and giving. We all miss him dearly."

This case underscores enormous loss, felt not only by those closest in Curtis's circle but also reaching far and wide across communities everywhere. Curtis Marsh's vibrant spirit and legacy live on, celebrated through his artistic talents as well as his kindness and generosity.

Looking ahead

Some questions about how Curtis passed are still unanswered, with folks seeking closure and understanding. Amid this, Curtis's friends remember him fondly, reflecting on how much good he brought while alive. It's evident that his loving spirit united all those around him in shared grief and celebration.

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