‘Forrest Gump’ Actor Acquitted in Stabbing

Jurors on Friday acquitted “Forrest Gump” actor Mykelti Williamson of attempted manslaughter in the stabbing of his ex-wife’s companion.

Williamson, 41, best known for playing shrimp-loving Bubba Blue in the Oscar-winning movie, was charged in the Jan. 5 stabbing of Leroy Edwards. Edwards, 32, underwent surgery to close an abdominal wound.

Superior Court jurors deliberated about one day before returning the verdict.

In his testimony, Williamson said he was upset when he went to visit his 4-year-old daughter at his ex-wife’s Baldwin Hills home because he previously had heard his daughter describe her mother and Edwards having sex.

However, Williamson’s ex-wife, Cheryl Chisholm, 33, testified that the actor left angry phone messages at her home and spied on her. Edwards testified that Williamson was in a rage Jan. 5 when he chased and attacked Edwards, because Williamson, who has since remarried, wanted to reconcile with Chisholm.

Edwards testified that he was cut on one hand and in the abdomen while trying to fight off Williamson. He was later able to kick Williamson away from him, he said.

Williamson was arrested about an hour after the attack.

The actor originally was charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, but a Municipal Court judge reduced the charges because of insufficient evidence.