Local authorities have released raw footage from surveillance cameras that allegedly captured images of two suspects being sought in the murder and robbery of boxing champion Vernon Forrest last weekend. According to the AJC, police believe up to four men were involved in the murder.
Forrest and his 11-year-old Godson are seen on surveillance video in his Jaguar as they pulled into a gas station on Whitehall Street in Southwest Atlanta on Saturday night. Forrest put air in his tires as his Godson, who is the only eyewitness, went inside the convenience store to buy a bag of chips and use the restroom. The gas station surveillance camera captures a red Pontiac Grand Prix or Grand Am pulling up to a pump. A black man is seen getting out of the passenger side and walking directly behind Forrest.
The man is armed and demands Forrest’s Rolex watch and a diamond ring. As the man walked away, Forrest retrieved a licensed .45 caliber weapon from under his driver’s seat and gave chase on foot South on McDaniel Street and across the I-20 overpass.
Police believe Forrest lost sight of the suspect at the corner of McDaniel and Fulton Streets. The suspect was then caught on surveillance video as he ran past the front door of 505 Fulton Street apartments and then again as he ran behind the building where he is seen opening an unlocked security gate and entering a hallway.
The robbery suspect was wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and carrying a shiny handgun. Another surveillance camera captured the same man cowering nervously in the hallway near a locked security gate while talking on a cell phone. Police believe Forrest caught up with a second man who probably acted as look out at the gas station. The two exchanged words but the man was able to convince Forrest that he wasn’t the one who robbed him. When Forrest turned to leave, the man pulled a gun and shot Forrest 7 to 8 times in the back and head. Forrest died at the scene.
After the shooting, the driver of the red Pontiac picked up both the robber and the shooter. The Pontiac then drove South on McDaniel Street.
If you have any information you are asked to call the Atlanta Police Department at 404-577-TIPS (8477)
