Odenton, MD – An Anne Arundel County man has been sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years for the 2024 killing of 27-year-old amateur boxing star Isaiah Olugbemi, authorities announced.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Nicholas Francis Giroux, 37, of Odenton, formally pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on February 28, 2025. On Monday, he received a life sentence plus 20 years for the death of Olugbemi, who had been shot multiple times in his neighborhood last summer.
Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess described the crime as “cruel and senseless” and noted Giroux’s callousness and lack of remorse. She added:
“This was a cruel and senseless murder that took the life of someone with great promise… I hope that today provides some sense of justice for this terrible ordeal.”
The Murder Incident
On June 17, 2024, police responded to the 500 block of Meadowmist Way in Odenton, where Olugbemi had been shot multiple times. He was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead.
Authorities say surveillance video captured Giroux shooting Olugbemi repeatedly, including three additional shots after he fell to the ground. Police interviewed Giroux the next day, and he confessed to the murder.
Two weeks before the killing, police reported that Giroux had confronted Olugbemi and a neighbor during a backyard cookout. He allegedly displayed a firearm, though no one was harmed, and he was not arrested at that time.
Olugbemi’s Boxing Career
Olugbemi was a rising star in amateur boxing and had been training to turn professional by the end of 2024. He had recently won the National Golden Gloves Championship in Washington, D.C., and had also won another fight just one week before his death.
Jim Hook, owner of the Anne Arundel County gym where Olugbemi trained, recalled their last interaction:
“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.’”
Olugbemi was also a dedicated father, and his death has left a lasting impact on family, friends, and the local boxing community.
Justice for the Victim
Leitess emphasized that Giroux’s sentence reflects the severity of the crime and hopes it provides a measure of closure for Olugbemi’s loved ones. Authorities say the case underscores the importance of taking threats seriously, even before they escalate into deadly violence.
Five Key Facts:
- Victim: Isaiah Olugbemi, 27, rising amateur boxing star.
- Perpetrator: Nicholas Francis Giroux, 37, Odenton, MD.
- Crime: First-degree murder, shot multiple times on June 17, 2024.
- Sentence: Life plus 20 years in prison.
- Background: Olugbemi won the National Golden Gloves a month before his death.
If you or someone you know has information about violent crimes in Anne Arundel County, contact local authorities immediately to help keep the community safe.
