The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that jurors in Fulton County, Georgia, are currently deliberating in the trial of Demario Ware, a 22-year-old who is accused of murdering former boxing champion Vernon Forrest in July 2009.
Ware is facing charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm, and is facing life in prison if convicted of murder.
Ware has confessed to pointing a gun at Forrest and demanding his gold, championship ring and diamond Rolex watch, but he did not fire the series of shots that killed the boxer. After being robbed, Forrest chased Ware, who was able to run away and hide, according to testimony during the trial, which began last week in Fulton County Superior Court.
As Forrest walked back to the gas station, he was confronted by another man, alleged to be Charman Sinkfield. As Forrest walked away from Sinkfield, Sinkfield allegedly fired several shots, hitting Forrest seven times. A third suspect, Jquante Crews, is accused of being the getaway driver, picking up both Ware and Sinkfield and leaving the scene.
Sometimes it's easy to forget that Forrest and Arturo Gatti, a couple of guys who were there for the explosion of my boxing fandom, are gone -- like it's not real that they're really gone. Those guys and Diego Corrales. And then something comes up, and I remember watching their fights, specific moments in them, and it always gets me. This is one of those moments for me, sitting here and thinking about men being on trial for the murder of Vernon Forrest. Hopefully some justice will be found for his family and loved ones.