St. Louis Boxer Ray Lathon Executed in $10,000 Retaliation Killing Over Drug Dealer Kidnapping—Only One Man Charged

Ray Lathon lived only 34 powerful years.

October 24, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 15, 2026

Ray Lathon, a promising St. Louis boxer, was tragically murdered on December 12, 2000. After completing a workout at a local gym, he was shot and executed by a masked gunman.

Ray Lathon, born on October 27, 1966, in St. Louis, Missouri, was a standout American boxer known for his knockout power and promising career.

He began boxing at a young age and quickly rose through the amateur ranks, winning the U.S. Amateur Middleweight title in 1989.

Lathon also represented Team USA at the World Championships in Moscow.

Turning professional in 1990, he amassed a record of 22 wins and 1 loss, with 21 of those wins coming by knockout.

His sole defeat came in 1994 against Montell Griffin. Lathon was tragically murdered on December 12, 2000, at the age of 34.

St. Louis Boxer Ray Lathon Was Executed for Torturing a Drug Dealer, Yet Only One Man Charged

Before being tragically executed by a masked gunman, Lathon was preparing for a shot at the NABF Cruiserweight title.

In 2002, Ahmad Adisa, who was 27 at the time, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole for Lathon’s killing.

According to the prosecution, evidence was presented suggesting that Adisa was hired to kill Lathon for a $10,000 payment.

Following Adisa’s arrest, Assistant Circuit Attorney Dwight Warren also revealed to jurors that Lathon was killed in retaliation for his suspected involvement in the 1999 kidnapping and torture of a drug dealer.

However, apart from Adisa, no other suspects were arrested, leaving the actual motive behind the murder unresolved and the case incomplete.

The case has remained a subject of controversy, with some advocating for Adisa’s innocence.

A Facebook page titled suggests that Adisa was wrongfully convicted and calls for his release.

While many claim that Adisa is innocent, no authorities have conducted any further investigation into the case following his arrest.

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Nishan Dahal writes sports with a human touch, covering breaking news, athlete lives, and the stories that stats can't tell. Nishan believes every athlete has a story worth telling. With the goal of bringing those stories to life with honesty, heart, and a touch of curiosity, he shares his insights through PlayerBio.

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