Former MMA Fighter Charged in Shocking ‘Revenge’ Crime at Kid's Party

A former MMA fighter has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing another man at a children’s birthday party in a “retaliation” act, 9News reported.

46-year-old Lumumba Sayers Sr. was taken into custody on August 10 on charges of first-degree murder and felony menacing. Police suspect Sayers shot and killed Malcolm Watson, 28, during a pool party that same day. Sayers Sr. is being held at Colorado’s Adams County Detention Facility.

Sayers Sr. fought 10 MMA matches between 2009 and 2014, according to ESPN . During his career, he appeared on UFC's Strikeforce and notched notable wins over opponents such as Justin Guthry and Canaan Grigsby. He holds a win-loss ratio of 6–4.

According to court documents reviewed by the outlet, witnesses saw Sayers Sr. “walk up and shoot the victim in the head at close range.” The documents go on to posit a “possible motive.”

“Witnesses had stated the [shooter’s son] had been murdered about a year ago by a friend of the deceased […] and this murder was probably in retaliation or revenge,” the document reads.

Sayers’ son, Lumumba Sayers Jr., was shot and killed on August 19, 2023, in Colorado He left behind a two-month-old son.

The victim’s sister told 9News that the birthday party was for Watson’s five-year-old son. She maintains that her brother had nothing to do with the murder of Sayers Jr. "How is it a revenge killing if my brother isn't the one who had anything to do with it?" Watson's sister said.

In a tragic irony, Sayers Sr. devoted decades of his life to gun reform. In 2021, 9News profiled his Heavy Hands Heavy Hearts gym, which created a “safe space” for juveniles and encouraged them to stay away from violence.

"I want them to understand that they are loved and I want them to know that they love themselves," Sayers Sr. said at the time. "I want them to know that they have a place to turn to if they are ever in trouble."

Sayers Sr. is due to appear in court on August 15. He’s being held on a $1 million bond.