Shooting Incident Linked to Retaliation in Denver Park

In a tragic incident at Pioneer Park, 27-year-old Malcolm Watson was shot and killed, allegedly in retaliation for the death of Lumumba Sayers Jr., the son of 45-year-old Lumumba Sayers. Witnesses reported that Watson was leaving a child's birthday party when Sayers approached him and shot him in the head at close range. Following the shooting, Sayers reportedly made a spontaneous statement indicating he was not the only shooter, and police found a semi-automatic pistol near the scene. Security camera footage captured a second shooter, who witnesses claimed yelled a threatening remark after the shooting. Sayers attempted to use a second firearm but was unsuccessful due to a malfunction. Investigators believe the motive behind the shooting was revenge for the earlier death of Sayers Jr., who was killed in August 2023. It remains unclear if Watson was implicated in that case, as no convictions have been made. Sayers was taken to the hospital for medical issues before being booked into the Adams County Detention Facility on charges of first-degree murder and felony aggravated menacing. He is currently held on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Notably, Sayers had previously founded a nonprofit aimed at reducing gang violence and promoting peace in the Denver area, highlighting the irony of his current situation amidst his past efforts to combat youth violence.