Lucious "Lou" Harris, a 72-year-old African American boxing icon, was tragically shot and killed on February 22, 2019, in Ocoee, Florida. Harris, who was well-known in the boxing community for his contributions as a trainer and mentor, was found dead in his home in the Lake Florence subdivision. The Orange County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call around 7:10 a.m. reporting the shooting.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered Harris suffering from a gunshot wound.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Harris's 31-year-old grandson, Lucien Harris, who was taken into custody later that day. Lucien, who had been living with his grandfather, was charged with first-degree murder. Family members revealed that Lucien had a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, for which he was not receiving treatment. This background of untreated mental illness, combined with feelings of jealousy and resentment towards his grandfather and other fighters, was cited as a contributing factor to the tragic incident.
Lucien Harris had a troubled past, with a criminal record dating back to 2004. His previous arrests included charges of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, armed burglary, and grand theft. In October 2018, just months before the fatal shooting, Lucien was arrested for threatening to kill his uncle with a hammer and knife. Despite these incidents, he was not prosecuted at the time.
The murder of Lucious Harris shocked the local community and the boxing world. Harris was celebrated for his dedication to the sport and his efforts to mentor young fighters, many of whom he guided to success in national and international competitions. His death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from those who knew him and benefited from his mentorship. The case against Lucien Harris proceeded through the legal system, with charges of first-degree murder filed against him as the investigation continued.
