Nigerian born aspiring professional boxer, Isaiah Oludayo Olugbemi, has been confirmed dead after being shot multiple times in Maryland US, local authorities confirm.
The 27-year-old was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the area of Meadowmist Way and Stehlik Drive and was pronounced dead after being transported to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.
Olugbemi had been training at an Anne Arundel County gym with hopes of turning professional by the end of the year, his gym owner Christen Jeter said.
“To see him go from knowing nothing to winning the national Golden Gloves Championship in three years is devastating,” Jeter added.
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Nicholas Francis Xavier Giroux, 36, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder in connection with Olugbemi’s death.
Police believe the attack was targeted, not random.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Giroux approaching Olugbemi with a handgun before shooting him multiple times and fleeing on foot.
Giroux, who was Olugbemi’s neighbour, allegedly threatened him with a gun on at least two previous occasions this year, according to Olugbemi’s brother Abraham.
Despite these incidents, Maryland court records show Giroux was not charged at those times.
The 27-year-old with a promising future won the National Golden Gloves Championship in Washington D.C. in May and won another amateur fight recently.
Jim Hook, a friend of his said, “The last text I sent to him was right after he won the fight, and I was like, ‘I’m so proud of you, you accomplished your dreams man, congratulations.”
Hook became good friends with Olugbemi at the gym where he trained three times a day.
“He really was a leader and was motivating and inspiring these younger kids that really look up to him,” Hook said.
Police are asking residents with private surveillance or doorbell cameras to provide any footage that could assist in the investigation.
