Trial to begin for man accused of robbing, killing Vernon Forrest

ATLANTA - The trial of a man facing the death penalty for allegedly robbing and killing a champion boxer in Atlanta in July 2009 is set to begin Monday in Fulton County.

Charmon Sinkfield faces two counts of murder, six counts of felony murder, armed robbery and other related charges in connection with the death of Vernon Forrest.

On July 25, 2009, Forrest was robbed at gunpoint by Demario Ware at a Southwest Atlanta gas station as the boxer put air in his tire. Ware stole Forrest’s championship ring and Rolex watch. Forrest chased Ware, but lost him near an apartment complex on McDaniel Street. Forrest then encountered the Charmon Sinkfield. As Forrest turned away, Sinkfield shot him seven times, including five times in the back.

Ware was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

Jury selection is set to begin Monday. If convicted, Sinkfield could receive the death penalty. 

Forrest, a former world boxing champion, competed between 1992 and 2008. He won the International Boxing Federation's welterweight title in 2001; held the unified welterweight titles from 2002-2003; and the WBC super welterweight title twice, from 2007 to 2009, according to his Wikipedia profile.