Former Strikeforce and BKFC competitor Lumumba Sayers has been found guilty of second-degree murder and related charges by an Adams County (Colo.) jury.
The Adams & Broomfield Colorado District Attorney's Office announced the verdict Monday, shortly after it was read in the courtroom. Sayers, 47, was convicted of second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and attempt to commit tampering with physical evidence.
The case stemmed from an August 2024 shooting at a child's birthday party in Commerce City, where 28-year-old Malcolm Watson was fatally shot. According to witnesses cited in an affidavit, Sayers shot Watson in the head, attempted to shoot him again with a second gun that jammed, and then tried to plant a gun on Watson.
Prosecutors argued that Sayers targeted Watson over a perceived connection to the 2023 killing of Sayers' son, Lumumba Sayers Jr. Sayers had been an anti-gun violence advocate since his son's death. A man named Tyrell Braxton was arrested and charged in connection with that case before it was dismissed. Sayers testified during the trial that he did not shoot or kill Watson.
Sayers previously fought in Strikeforce from 2011 to 2012, going 2-2, and returned to competition under the BKFC banner in May 2024, when he defeated Jeremy Morrison by knockout in 12 seconds.
Judge Jeffrey Ruff is scheduled to determine Sayers' sentence at a hearing on July 24.
