Affidavit: Anti-violence activist arrested in suspected revenge killing

DENVER ( KDVR ) — A well-known anti-violence advocate was arrested in connection to a deadly shooting at a Commerce City park in what detectives are investigating as retaliation for his son’s shooting death a year prior.

Lumumba Sayers Sr., 46, was arrested in connection to the shooting that left one dead at Pioneer Park on Saturday. Sayers Sr. founded the Aurora-based nonprofit Heavy Hands Heavy Hearts, which is aimed at helping young people in the community.

In August 2023, Sayers Sr. lost his son to gun violence after he was shot and killed near 28th and Welton streets.

Sayers Sr. was booked into the Adams County Jail on a $1 million bond. He is facing charges of first-degree murder and felony menacing.

On Tuesday, FOX31 received the arrest affidavit which details the possible motive behind the shooting.

Affidavit: Suspect kills victim at child’s party

When Commerce City Police Department officers arrived at the park, they spoke to several witnesses who told them the victim, identified as Malcolm Watson, 28, was attending a child’s birthday party.

Sayers Sr. showed up at the party uninvited, according to the arrest affidavit. Per a witness, Sayers Sr. walked up to Watson and shot him. Witnesses also claim that another man dressed in all tan clothing was also shooting. Police have not yet identified him.

According to detectives who spoke to witnesses at the scene, Watson was a friend of the person who allegedly killed Sayers Sr.’s son one year ago. The witnesses said Watson’s murder was “probably retaliation or revenge,” and detectives are considering this as a possible motive.

Witnesses: Sayers Sr. attempts to ‘rob’ victim, plant gun

After allegedly shooting Watson, witnesses told officers that Sayers Sr. attempted to fire another gun at Watson, but this gun “jammed.” A witness said Sayers Sr. then “robbed him” by removing a set of keys on a lanyard from Watson’s pocket.

Detectives did obtain two sets of keys, one on a lanyard, when they booked Sayers Sr. into jail, according to the affidavit.

A video provided by a witness allegedly shows Sayers Sr. attempting to place a black handgun near Watson’s body. According to the affidavit, the witness can be heard on the video yelling at Sayers Sr. that she saw him planting the gun.

Per the affidavit, the witness also yelled at Sayers Sr. that he “killed her baby’s daddy on her baby’s birthday.”

Suspect’s daughter also on scene of the shooting

A woman and the unidentified second shooter arrived in a black Cadillac Escalade. Police identified the woman in the Escalade as Hawaii Sayers, the daughter of Sayers Sr. According to witnesses, Sayers Sr., the unidentified male and Hawaii were seen conversing, but police do not know if they exchanged any items.

Police have not said if they have contacted Hawaii for further questioning.

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