Atlanta police charge man for death of ex-boxing champ Vernon Forrest

ATLANTA — A 20-year-old Atlanta man was charged Tuesday with murder in the shooting death of ex-boxing champion Vernon Forrest, although authorities said they do not believe he was the triggerman.

Demario Ware was also charged with aggravated assault and armed robbery, Atlanta police Lt. Keith Meadows said. The 38-year-old Forrest was shot to death on July 25 after he chased a man who robbed him of his championship ring and Rolex watch, police said.

Police said Ware was responsible for the robbery but that they were still looking for the shooter and at least two other suspects. Ware is expected to have a bond hearing on Wednesday. Police said he had a lawyer but were unsure of a name.

Forrest was robbed at a gas station, pulled a gun from his waistband and began chasing the robber across a bridge, police have said.

Shortly after they get across, Forrest loses sight of him but then encounters a second person with a gun and exchanges words with him, police said. Forrest turned and walked away and was shot several times in the back, police said.

Forrest, a native of Augusta, Ga., who lived in Atlanta, was a member of the 1992 Olympic team along with Oscar De La Hoya. The popular fighter later won welterweight and junior middleweight titles and compiled a professional record of 41-3 with 29 knockouts.

In 2002, Forrest gained notoriety when he became the first boxer to defeat Shane Mosley.

Some 1,500 friends, family and fellow athletes attended Forrest’s funeral on Monday. Many remembered him as a soft-spoken, modest competitor known more by his work helping others than his victories in the ring.