In a shocking turn of events, a Denver man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a fellow gang member just weeks after publicly discussing his past and the betrayal that led to his lengthy prison sentence. Muhammad Taj, a former member of the notorious African Mafia, allegedly gunned down 30-year-old Marcus Payne in a brutal ambush on March 1, 2023, mere months after being released from prison.
The chilling details of this crime are unfolding rapidly. Authorities report that Taj and an accomplice lay in wait for three hours in bushes before attacking Payne as he left his apartment for a job interview. The assailants shot him eight times in a cowardly assault from behind, leaving him critically injured. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The motive? Revenge. Taj harbored deep resentment towards Payne, who had testified against him during a burglary investigation that resulted in Taj serving 17 years for nonviolent crimes. During a recent interview, Taj expressed feelings of betrayal and anger towards those who turned on him—a sentiment that appears to have driven him to 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁.
The police quickly connected Taj to the crime through surveillance footage and the discovery of a stolen vehicle used in the attack. As the investigation progresses, law enforcement officials emphasize the chilling reality of gang life and the lengths individuals will go to settle perceived injustices.
This disturbing incident raises questions about the cycle of violence and retribution that continues to plague communities. Taj now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy, as he returns to the very prison from which he was released just months ago—the irony not lost on observers.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, the chilling motto of the gang rings true: “Revenge doesn’t have a date.” The legacy of violence continues, leaving families shattered and lives irrevocably changed. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues, and officials urge anyone with information to come forward.
