Newspaper files civil complaint over Jayson Williams 911 tapes

By The Associated Press

12.16.02

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FLEMINGTON, N.J. — A newspaper has filed a civil complaint challenging the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office's refusal to release tapes of a 911 call made after a man was fatally shot at former NBA star Jayson Williams' mansion.

The Courier-News of Bridgewater challenged the prosecutor's decision on Dec. 13 in Superior Court, citing the state's new open public-records law.

Williams, 34, is charged with first-degree manslaughter and other offenses in the Feb. 14 death of Costas Christofi. The trial is scheduled to begin next Feb. 18.

The newspaper based its request, in part, on the fact that the 911 tapes were made before the investigation into the shooting opened.

"This is an important test of New Jersey's Open Public Records Law — which specifically states that public records which later become part of a criminal investigation are still public records," said James Flachsenhaar, the Courier News' executive editor.

Acting Hunterdon County Steven C. Lember said releasing the tapes could interfere with his office's investigation.

Previous

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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