Former heavyweight boxer Dale Crowe has been accused in the death of a man whose body was found in a trash bin. Prosecutors accuse him of killing 23-year-old Frank Branam. The boxer was arrested Thursday outside the Hamilton County courthouse after he had made an appearance there on an unrelated offense. The victim's relatives told investigators that Branam was last seen with the boxer on Aug. 10, 2002 and his body was found in a trash container a month later.

The victim's sister, Amanda Mappes, 30, said she and her brother grew up with the former boxer Crowe. Crowe, who has fought some top names in the boxing division such as DaVarryl Williamson and Michael Moorer, has been charged with aggravated murder, murder and aggravated robbery. He is currently being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $1.6 million bond.

According to Coroner O'dell Owens of Hamilton County the cause of death has not been released because it is deemed as evidence in the case. The boxer defeated former WBA heavyweight champion Greg Page during a March 2001 fight in Erlanger, Ky. Page sustained traumatic brain injuries during the bout, slipped into a coma and then had a stroke during surgery. He was paralyzed on his left side and has had to use a wheelchair since. Crowe most recently had been working various jobs, including laying tile and carpet, Gibson said.

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By: Julie Smith