Newspaper seeks 911 tapes in ex-NBA star's manslaughter case

By The Associated Press

07.09.02

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BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — A newspaper has asked the state police and four Hunterdon County agencies to turn over tapes of the 911 call made after a limousine driver was shot to death at the home of former NBA star Jayson Williams.

The Courier-News of Bridgewater filed the requests yesterday, citing provisions in the state's new Open Public Records Act. A state police official, though, said he doubts the agency will approve the request.

Williams, 34, is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the Feb. 14 death of Costas Christofi. The 911 call was made shortly before 3 a.m. on the day of the shooting, and authorities said the caller reported the death as a suicide.

Sgt. Robert Wilk, acting records custodian for the state police, said he had to discuss the request with the state Attorney General's Office, because the tapes are part of the ongoing investigation into the shooting. He said a decision would be made within the next few days.

"There's a strong possibility it's going to be denied," Wilk told the newspaper for today's editions.

Thomas Cafferty, an attorney whose firm represents the New Jersey Press Association, said tapes or transcripts of 911 calls are public records.

"Under the laws that existed before today, you had a right to it then, and clearly, in my opinion, you have a right to it now," Cafferty said.

The other requests were filed with the county prosecutor's office, the Department of Emergency Management, the clerk's office and the print shop.

County Clerk Dorothy Tirpok said her office could only supply deeds or similar records, while emergency management Director E. Robert Anderson said the call was not answered by the county's 911 communications center. Officials with the other two agencies were not immediately available for comment.

Williams, who is accused of recklessly handling the 12-gauge shotgun that fired the fatal shot, has pleaded not guilty and remains free on $270,000 bail.

He and two other men also face a series of charges for allegedly trying to conceal or destroy evidence, encouraging witnesses to lie and replacing Williams' fingerprints on the shotgun with Christofi's.

One of those men, Kent Culuko, 29, of Mahwah, pleaded guilty in April to witness and evidence tampering, and agreed to testify against Williams and John W. Gordnick.

Williams could face nearly 45 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

Gordnick, 44, of Rochelle Park, also pleaded not guilty and remains free on $50,000 bail. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of nearly 12 years in prison.

Update

N.J. police reject request for 911 tapes in Jayson Williams case
Acting records custodian says recordings of call made after shooting at ex-NBA star's home are part of ongoing criminal investigation and therefore aren't open to public.  07.25.02

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Some backers of bill criticize amendments but say legislation is nonetheless victory for state's citizens.  01.08.02

N.J. judge rules 911 tapes are public record
Press groups say ruling is first in state dealing with public's right to listen to recorded emergency calls.  04.09.02