In a heartbreaking turn of events, Lumumba Sayers Sr., a former MMA fighter and an advocate for peace, has been convicted of second-degree murder. This conviction stems from a fatal shooting that occurred in 2024, a crime fueled by a devastating personal tragedy.
A Case of Mistaken Identity and Rage
Jurors in Colorado took just two hours to reach their verdict, finding Sayers guilty of fatally shooting Malcolm Watson. The incident took place outside a birthday party for Watson’s young son. Sayers, 47, reportedly believed Watson was responsible for the death of his own 23-year-old son, Lumumba Sayers Jr., who was tragically killed in 2023.
The elder Sayers was also found guilty of tampering with physical evidence and attempting to tamper with physical evidence. He is currently awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for July 24, 2026, according to the Adams County District Attorney’s office.
The Tragic Misunderstanding
Witnesses described the horrifying scene as Watson was shot outside the party. While Sayers was driven by a deep rage over his son’s death, the reality was that Watson was not the gunman. Instead, Watson only knew the individual accused of killing Lumumba Sayers Jr.
The man originally charged in connection with Sayers Jr.’s death, Tyrell Braxton, had his case dismissed. Braxton was later convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition and received a 16-year prison sentence.
An Advocate’s Complex Past
Sayers Sr. was known for his work with the anti-violence program Heavy Hands Heavy Hearts Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth. This organization had received significant funding, over half a million dollars for one program, from both the city of Denver and the state of Colorado. To secure this funding, Sayers had sought to have prior criminal convictions sealed.
His defense team argued that Sayers was carrying a weapon on the day of Watson’s death not for malicious intent, but due to his role as an anti-violence activist. They maintained he was merely a bystander during the shooting.
From MMA Fighter to Activist
Before his involvement in community work, Sayers had a career in mixed martial arts. He competed in promotions like Strikeforce and, after retiring from traditional MMA in 2014, made a comeback in bare-knuckle boxing in 2024, winning his fight in just 12 seconds.
I didn’t think it was going to make me feel better because, you know, I’m more focused on the loss of Malcolm than anything else going on right now. But, actually did make me feel very relieved. — Malcolm Watson’s girlfriend
Watson’s girlfriend shared her feelings after the verdict, expressing a sense of relief despite her ongoing grief over Malcolm’s loss. This case highlights the devastating ripple effects of violence and the complex paths to justice.
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