Langston Sykes, a 31-year-old professional mixed martial artist, was shot and killed earlier this month after allegedly breaking into a Florida home on March 4. There were several children and adults in the home at the time.
The MMA fighter with a pro record of 1-4, successfully broke into the property and ‘rushed’ at one of the occupants who then opened fire, according to police.
Once on the scene, officers found 31-year-old Sykes “unresponsive.”
“Officers administered first aid until EMS arrived, but the individual succumbed to his injuries,” a statement from police read.
Police later identified Sykes, adding that one of the adults in the home had an active injunction against him. They noted that the early investigation seemed to point to a case of “self-defense.”
“This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with everyone affected,” Police Chief Gerald Butler said in a statement. “Based on the investigation, it appears this may be a case of a resident acting in self-defense during a home invasion. Our detectives are working diligently to gather all the facts to ensure a thorough and complete investigation. We encourage anyone with information to come forward.”
According to public records, Sykes had been arrested several times and had also served over a year behind bars in 2011 in Florida for a grand theft auto charge.
Sykes leaves behind five children.
