Court TV gets go-ahead to broadcast Jayson Williams trial

By The Associated Press

01.03.03

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FLEMINGTON, N.J. — Court TV has won approval to broadcast the manslaughter trial of former NBA star Jayson Williams, who is charged in the fatal shooting of a limousine driver last year.

Acting Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steven Lember said yesterday that Superior Court Judge Edward Coleman — who will preside over the trial — had recently granted the cable station's request and has met with Court TV staffers to discuss technical issues and other matters.

Williams, 34, is scheduled to go on trial Feb. 18 on charges of first-degree manslaughter and other offenses in connection with the shooting death of limousine driver Costas Christofi. Williams could face nearly 45 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

The shooting occurred last Feb. 14 at Williams' Alexandria Township estate after Christofi drove him and several guests home from a Harlem Globetrotters game. Two guests, Kent Culuko and John Gordnick, have pleaded guilty to tampering charges and agreed to testify against Williams.

Williams was among the NBA's best rebounders when leg injuries forced his retirement from the New Jersey Nets in 2000. After the shooting, he was suspended from his job as an NBA analyst for NBC.

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