Sunday, May 23, 2004

Williams to Face Re-trial: Former NBA player Jayson Williams will face a re-trial on the charge of reckless manslaughter, prosecutors announced Friday. Williams was acquitted of the most serious charges against him, including aggravated manslaughter and two weapons charges. He was convicted of four charges of attempting to cover up his involvement in the shooting, including tampering with witnesses and evidence. He faces a sentence of up to 13 years on those counts.



Re-trying Williams on the reckless manslaughter charge does not violate double jeopardy because the jury was unable to reach a verdict on that count. The requires the prosecutor to prove that Mr. Williams, while handling the gun, was aware of and consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that his actions would cause Mr. Christofi's death.



Williams will remain free until after the second trial, which is slated for January of next year.

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