FIRST OF THREE DEFENDANTS CONVICTED IN ROBBERY/MURDER OF PRO BOXER VERNON FORREST

State vs. Demario Ware

Atlanta- Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces the conviction by jury trial in the armed robbery and murder case against Demario Ware, 22. A jury found Ware guilty this afternoon of Felony Murder and Armed Robbery in connection with the shooting death of former pro boxing champion Vernon Forrest. Ware was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole by presiding Fulton County Superior Court Judge Alford J. Dempsey, Jr.

Forrest was gunned down July 25, 2009 after being robbed at gunpoint by Ware. Ware approached Forrest as the boxer put air in his tire at a Southwest Atlanta gas station located at 490 Whitehall Street. Ware fled with Forrest’s championship ring and Rolex watch. Forrest gave chase but lost sight of Ware as he escaped into a nearby apartment complex at 505 McDaniel Street. Forrest then encountered the accused triggerman, and Ware’s co-defendant, Charman Sinkfield. As he turned to walk away, Forrest was shot seven times; 5 times in the back. Jquante Crews, the third defendant charged in the case is the accused getaway driver for the trio. Trial is pending for Crews and Sinkfield. The State is seeking the death penalty against the latter.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Pete Johnson, Deputy District Attorney Shondeana Morris and Senior Assistant District Attorney Lenny Krick with assistance from Senior Investigator Vance Williams. Detective B. Zimbrick of the Atlanta Police Department led the initial investigation.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov