– Roanoke Judge Onlzlee Ware passes away at 70
– Roanoke Judge Onlzlee Ware’s death at age 70.
Roanoke Judge Onzlee Ware Passes Away at 70
In a sad turn of events, Roanoke Judge Onzlee Ware, a Virginia lawmaker and the city’s first black district court judge, has passed away at the age of 70. The news was reported by the Roanoke Bar Association, although no cause of death has been provided.
A Remarkable Journey from Adversity to Success
Judge Ware’s life was a testament to resilience and determination. He overcame drug charges and a gunshot wound that cost him a leg to rise to prominence in the legal and legislative fields. Born and raised in Roanoke, Ware began his career as a lawyer before entering politics.
In 2003, he became a Democratic member of the House of Representatives, representing part of Roanoke. He served in this position until 2013, making significant contributions to the community during his tenure. In 2014, Ware was appointed as a Juvenile and Family Affairs District Court judge, and in 2020, he became a district court judge, replacing Judge William Broadhurst.
An Inspiring Journey of Redemption
Judge Ware’s journey to success was not without its challenges. In a candid interview in 2007, he revealed his past involvement with drugs and the criminal justice system. Ware admitted to being involved with heroin and engaging in illegal activities for a brief period. However, he turned his life around when he became a police informant, leading to the dismissal of his charges.
Unfortunately, his identity as an informant was later revealed, resulting in a violent incident where he was shot, leading to the loss of his left leg. Despite this setback, Ware chose to keep the bullet in his body as a reminder of how far he had come and the blessings he had received. His determination and resilience were truly remarkable.
Allegations and Legacy
In a shocking development last year, Judge Ware faced allegations from a Roanoke woman, Grace Church, who claimed that he had traded legal advice for sexual favors. The allegations were brought forth in the midst of her son’s murder case, which was being heard by a different judge.
Ware’s absence from the courthouse following the publication of the allegations raised questions about his status. However, his attorneys, Tony Anderson and John Lichtenstein, clarified that he was undergoing a “health evaluation” and that his absence was not related to the investigation into the allegations.
On Saturday, Anderson and Lichtenstein released a statement from Ware’s family, denying the claims made by Grace Church. They emphasized the importance of preserving Ware’s legacy and expressed their deep sadness over his passing.
A Respected Judge and Community Figure
Judge Ware was highly respected within the legal community and beyond. He was known for his dedication, thoughtfulness, and commitment to serving his community. Despite his own personal struggles, he remained a mentor to many young people in Roanoke, inspiring them to overcome obstacles and strive for success.
Anderson and Lichtenstein spoke of their privilege in working with Judge Ware and the lessons they learned from him. They expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support the family had received during these difficult times.
Roanoke has lost a remarkable individual whose impact will be felt for years to come. Judge Onzlee Ware’s contributions to his community and the legal profession will be remembered as a testament to the power of resilience and determination.
Rest in peace, Judge Ware.
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1. Roanoke Judge Onlzlee Ware dies at
2. Roanoke Judge Onlzlee Ware passes away at.
