Man Stabbed During Family Fight Critical

An Oxnard man remained in critical condition at St. John’s Regional Medical Center Wednesday night after being stabbed during a family argument a day earlier.

Gerard Gooden, 44, was stabbed Tuesday night by the adult daughter of a woman he lives with in a house in the 3000 block of Fournier Avenue, said Police Sgt. Lee Wilcox.

The stabbing occurred after Takisha Kerr, 23, stepped between Gooden and her mother, 44-year-old Marsha Holloway, as they argued in a family room, police said.

Gooden was gripping a knife and threatening Holloway, Wilcox said.

Kerr said Gooden shoved her, then dropped his knife and hurled a vacuum cleaner at her, Wilcox said. Gooden went outside, grabbed a shovel and threw that at her, Wilcox said. Kerr was not injured.

Gooden then came at Kerr with his arms raised, so Kerr picked up the knife and stabbed him once in the upper chest, Wilcox said. Gooden staggered to the front lawn and collapsed.

Three children who live in the house with Gooden, Kerr and Holloway saw the stabbing. Family members said Gooden and Holloway had often fought and that on Tuesday both had been drinking. Holloway also said Gooden had struck her earlier in the day.

Police did not arrest Kerr, citing self-defense evidence, and they have referred the case to the district attorney’s office for review, Wilcox said.

Gooden may face criminal assault charges, Wilcox added.