Latest news with #LangstonSykes
Fox News
07-03-2025
- Fox News
MMA fighter shot and killed during Florida home invasion in apparent ‘Stand your Ground' case
Langston Sykes, a mixed martial arts fighter, was shot and killed in Florida late Tuesday night after allegedly taking part in a home invasion, police said in a statement. Lake City Police received a 911 call just after 11 p.m. with regard to an individual being shot after a reported break-in at a residence in Lake City, around 45 miles north of Gainesville. 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," the statement read. According to law enforcement, Sykes allegedly "attempted to break into the home and was successful." There were several children and adults in the home at the time. Police said that when Sykes "rushed" towards the individuals in the home, one of the adults "fired multiple shots" at him, fatally injuring him. 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." "Findings from the investigation suggest the case may qualify under Florida's Stand Your Ground law," police said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing. "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." A Florida-based mixed martial arts school, which Sykes belonged to, released a statement following news of his death. "Langston was not only a fierce competitor and a dedicated teammate, but he was also a great father, a loyal friend, and a man who brought light into every room he entered. His kindness, his laughter, and his unwavering support for those he loved will never be forgotten," the statement read. "Our hearts go out to his family, especially his five children, who were his greatest pride and joy. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time." Sykes had a pro record of 1-4-0. He last competed in the Island Fights promotion in August, where he won by TKO. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Miami Herald
07-03-2025
- Miami Herald
Popular MMA fighter killed during violent home invasion in Florida, team says
A popular mixed martial arts fighter was killed while participating in a late-night home invasion in north Florida, according to his associates in the sport. Langston Sykes, 31, was shot just after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, at a home on SW Leslie Glen in Lake City, the Lake City Police Department said in a news release. Investigators believe the fatal shooting counted as self-defense under the state's Stand Your Ground Law, Lake City police said. 'Victims of the home invasion reported that the individual, who was known to the victims, attempted to break into the home and was successful,' police said. 'The residence contained multiple adults and children. One of the adults fired multiple shots at the intruder when he rushed toward them.' First responders tried to revive Sykes, but he died at the scene, officials said. One of the adults in the home 'had an active injunction against' Sykes, officials said. Details of the injunction were not released. Sykes went by Langston 'Blaze' Sykes in the sport and was proficient in MMA and kickboxing, a promotional social media page says. He was a father of five and known to be 'a fierce competitor,' according to martial arts coach James Smiley, who identified Sykes as a member of his team. 'He was more than just a part of our team, he was family,' Smiley wrote in a March 5 Facebook post. 'You may be gone, but your legacy, your spirit, and your impact on all of us will live on forever. We'll carry you with us in every fight, every moment, and every memory.' Sykes, a Miami native, last competed in August, the MMA site says. He was based out of Lake City, which is about a 60-mile drive west from Jacksonville.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man killed by resident in Lake City home invasion identified as MMA fighter
Police have released the identity of the man killed Tuesday while breaking into a home on SW Leslie Glen. Langston Sykes, 31, forced his way into the home just before 11 a.m. before being shot to death by a resident 'acting in self-defense,' a Lake City police news release states. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with everyone affected,' Police Chief Gerald Butler stated in a news release Thursday. 'Based on the investigation, it appears this may be a case of a resident acting in self-defense during a home invasion.' Distraught family and members of the MMA community took to social media grieving Sykes death [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] People inside of the home Sykes is accused of breaking into told police that multiple adults and children were inside. 'One of the adults fired multiple shots at the intruder when he rushed toward them,' A Lake City police news release said. Officers arrived at the home and found the Sykes shot and unresponsive. They unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate him, police said. 'Victims of the home invasion reported that the individual, who was known to the victims, attempted to break into the home and was successful,' the news release states. 'Our detectives are working diligently to gather all the facts to ensure a thorough and complete investigation,' Chief Butler said. 'We encourage anyone with information to come forward.' Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Pepin at (386) 719-5749. To report information anonymously, LCPD tips line at (386) 719-2068 or Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at (386) 754-7099. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
