Jury selection was under way Monday for the trial of DeMario Ware, one of three men charged in the killing of a former boxing champion on a southwest Atlanta street, Channel 2 Action News reports.

Vernon Forrest, a 38-year-old former world welterweight boxing champion, had stopped to put air in his car’s tires on July 26, 2009, at a Whitehall Street convenience store when an armed robber confronted him, police have said.

Forrest produced his own gun and chased the suspect but lost him. As he was walking back to his car, he was confronted by another man, who shot him in the back and took the boxer’s gold and diamond "4X World Champion" ring and a Rolex watch.

Fulton County prosecutors are seeking a sentence of life in prison without parole for Ware. Also charged in the case were Ware’s alleged accomplices, Jquante Crews and Charman Sinkfield. Authorities have said Sinkfield was the triggerman in Forrest’s death.

About the Author

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez