Lamar Joe Big Tate Watson, 30, was killed on December 31, 2002, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was found with multiple gunshot wounds in what investigators described as a targeted attack connected to a larger criminal operation. Born January 4, 1972, in Union County, he graduated from West Charlotte High School, attended Livingstone College, and worked for Dixie Trucking Company in Charlotte. He is survived by his son, Lamar Joe Watson Jr., his mother Barbara Crowder Watson, and several siblings and extended family.

Three men — Todd D. Gaston, Rodney Dale Payne, and Antoine L. Sloan — were charged in connection with Watson’s murder. Prosecutors linked the killing to a drug-related dispute and to a scheme to steal marijuana. Authorities also tied the defendants to a January 2003 killing of Joel Solis Recio, which involved torture and an execution-style killing.

His funeral was held at New Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ in Charlotte.