By Chris LaBate
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a Fulton County jury found DeMario Ware guilty of felony murder and lesser charges in the shooting death of former world champion Vernon Forrest, 38, on July 25, 2009 in Atlanta’s Mechanicsville neighborhood. DeMario Ware had admitted to pointing a loaded gun at Vernon Forrest and taking the boxer’s gold championship ring and diamond Rolex watch.
But, the jury returned a not guilty verdict on the most serious count - malice murder - because Ware, 22, did not fire the gun that killed Forrest, but was convicted on charges of felony murder, armed robbery and possession of a gun during commission of a crime. He could be sentenced to life in prison on the felony murder charges.
On the night of the incident, Ware pointed a loaded gun at Forrest and took the boxer’s gold championship ring and diamond Rolex watch. Forrest produced his own handgun and chased Ware, who ducked into a nearby apartment building. As the boxer gave up the chase and returned to his car - Charman Sinkfield - one of Ware’s codefendants, allegedly shot Forrest twice in the back, then walked up to the fallen fighter and fired eight more shots before meeting a third codefendant, Jquante Crews, who was driving Ware’s car, to make an escape.