A former MMA fighter has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing another man at a children's birthday party in an act of “retaliation.” 9News reported.
Lumumba Sayers Sr., 46, was taken into custody on Aug. 10 on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated menacing. Police suspect Sayers shot and killed Malcolm Watson, 28, during a pool party that same day. Sayers Sr. is being held at the Adams County Detention Facility in Colorado.
Sayers Sr. fought in 10 MMA bouts between 2009 and 2014. ESPNUFC throughout his career Strike Force and has notable wins over opponents such as Justin Guthry and Canaan Grigsby. He has a 6-4 win-loss record.
According to court documents reviewed by the agency, witnesses saw Sayers Sr. “shoot the victim in the head at close range.” The documents also suggest there is “probable cause.”
“Witnesses, [shooter’s son] He was killed by a friend of the deceased about a year ago […] “and it is stated that this murder was probably committed for retaliation or revenge purposes.”
Sayers’ son, Lumumba Sayers Jr., was shot and killed in Colorado on August 19, 2023. He leaves behind a two-month-old son.
The victim's sister told 9News said the birthday party was for Watson's 5-year-old son. He maintained that his brother had nothing to do with the murder of Sayers Jr. “How can this be a revenge killing if my brother had nothing to do with it?” Watson's sister said.
In a tragic irony, Sayers Sr. dedicated decades of his life to gun reform. In 2021, 9News featured his Heavy Hands Heavy Hearts gym, which creates a “safe space” for young people and encourages them to stay away from violence.
“I want them to know that they are loved and that they love themselves,” Sayers Sr. said at the time. “I want them to know that they have a place to turn when they're in trouble.”
Sayers Sr. is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 15. He is being held on $1 million bail.