Former Nets star Jayson Williams indicted; could face more than 20 years in prison

Jet, May 20, 2002

Former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams was recently indicted on manslaughter charges in the shooting death of a limousine driver at his mansion in New Jersey.

Williams, 34, was indicted on a series of charges, including aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault, witness and evidence tampering. Prosecutors allege Williams was handling the 12-gauge shotgun at his 40-room mansion in Alexandria Township, NJ, when the shooting occurred, then tried to make it look like an accident.

In March, Williams appeared in court on the charges for the Feb. 14 death of 55-year-old Costas Christofi (JET, March 4). The former New Jersey Net did not enter a plea and was not required to do so until a grand jury indictment.

The charges in the indictment are similar but not identical to the ones brought earlier by prosecutors. In particular, the indictment adds a count of aggravated manslaughter to the less serious count of reckless manslaughter. Reckless manslaughter implies a person was acting irresponsibly, and carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

Prosecutors would have to snow Williams demonstrated "extreme indifference to human life" to prove the more serious charge of aggravated manslaughter. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the latter.

Acting Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steve Lember has said there were reasons to believe that alcohol "is something we need to look into," but has not said whether Williams was drinking before the shooting.

Judy Smith, Williams' spokeswoman, said he will plead innocent "at the appropriate time." An arraignment date for Williams, who is free on $270,000 bail, was not set at JET press time.

Tanya Williams has publicly stood by her husband through this trying time. She called her husband a "good man" and said people should not rush to judgment about him.

"A very tragic accident occurred," Mrs. Williams said. "Our strongest desire is that people realize who Jayson is--that he's a good man--and that they don't rush to judgment.

"Jayson doesn't read the newspapers, nor does he watch the TV, and so how things have played out in the media is of very, very little significance to us now. The facts will come out. That's what we know."

The 6-foot-10 Williams was once among the NBA's best rebounders, but leg injuries ended his career and he retired in 2000. Since the shooting, he has been suspended from his job as an NBA analyst.