Police have a man in custody in connection with the July 25th shooting death of former champion boxer Vernon Forrest. 20-year-old Damario Ware turned himself in to the Fulton County District Attorney’s office on Tuesday. Ware is charged with murder, aggravated assault and armed robbery. He is being held at the Fulton County jail without bond.
Ware is not the gunman in the case, but police are expected to make more arrests by week’s end. Ware is the man seen on an apartment surveillance video that was released by police last week. Police said Ware approached Forrest, 38, from behind after he stopped at a Chevron gas station on Whitehall Street to put air into the tires of his Jaguar.
Ware demanded Forrest’s boxing championship ring, wallet and a Rolex watch. Forrest complied with the robber’s request, then reached under his driver’s seat for his handgun before giving chase on foot.
Police said Forrest lost sight of Ware as he turned the corner at McDaniel and Fulton Streets. But Forrest encountered Ware’s accomplice in the street. The two exchanged words before the gunman shot Forrest 8 times in the back.
Police received a break in the high profile case when tips poured in after Forrest’s murder aired on America’s Most Wanted on Saturday. Ware was previously out on bond for an arrest in March in which he was charged with obstructing a police officer, criminal trespassing and auto break-in. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
