Four years have passed since Zumbi—the enlightened, supremely talented MC from Zion I—checked in to the Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley and never checked out. Circumstances surrounding his death remain suspicious and have been suspicious since day one.
But Zumbi’s loved ones, peers and fans aren’t going to let his legacy fade nor will they stop shouting about his death until justice is served.
On Wednesday (August 13), Zumbi’s former partner held the annual “Justice For Zumbi” vigil at Clarion Alley in San Francisco’s Mission District. A giant portrait of Zumbi’s profile looms in the background with the words: “Let Your Inner Light Shine. Baba Zumbi Forever. Zion I.”
As explained in the caption, Zumbi’s death wasn’t perceived as an “accident.”
“On August 13th 2021, Steve was murdered inside Alta Bates hospital,” the caption reads. “Almost 4 years later, there is no Justice! We need the community, we need your support. Please share this and be present!”
Mere days after Zumbi’s death, Berkeley police began investigating it as a homicide. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Zumbi allegedly got into a physical altercation with multiple hospital employees while recovering from COVID-19.
Lt. Melanie Turner said police responded to calls at 5:16 a.m. local time from patients and staff at the hospital about a patient involved in a physical altercation with nurses and security officers, who reportedly had him pinned down on the ground.
Turner said upon arrival “officers started handcuffing the involved person and determined that he needed immediate medical assistance.” Police began lifesaving measures until Alta Bates staff were able to assist, but “unfortunately and sadly he was pronounced deceased on the scene.”
But DJ True Justice said a physical altercation sounded out of character for Zumbi.
“Steve was not a violent person; he never sought violence; he never condoned violence,” he told the publication at the time. “However, I know as a person, I know Steve is very firm in his beliefs.”
True Justice initially said Zumbi was recovering from COVID-19 but suffered a massive asthma attack at the hospital and wasn’t able to recover. Although Zumbi respected the mask mandate, he didn’t “subscribe to mainstream media, specifically in regard to the current global pandemic” and “wasn’t an advocate of being vaccinated.”
True Justice also confirmed Zumbi and at least 30 other people had tested positive for the virus following his last performance on July 24, 2021 in the Sierra foothills town of Nevada City.
The Gaines family released a statement to the The Chronicle, which read, “We are in a deep state of grief and processing this loss. We are awaiting further details from the hospital at this time so we can understand exactly what happened and determine our next steps.”
In February 2022, Zumbi’s mother, Carolyn Gaines, pleaded for the investigation to proceed, saying there’s been no progress because police are waiting on a coroner’s report.
“I am dedicated to seeking justice for his killing,” she wrote in a statement. “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.”
Carolyn Gaines begged for the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and Allied Universal to be held responsible for her son’s death.
“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,” she wrote. “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.”
In October 2022, Carolyn Gaines addressed the status of her son’s case after The Mercury News erroneously published a story claiming the investigation was closed.
“Nothing has been finalized on criminal charges related to my son’s death,” Gaines said. “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.”
Zumbi was a father to three sons and loved by many. After he died, social media erupted with posts about how special he was. Find some of those below.