NJ judge refuses to throw out former NBA star Jayson Williams’ manslaughter convictions

NJ judge won’t toss Jayson Williams’ convictions

SOMERVILLE, N.J. — A New Jersey judge has rejected attempts by attorneys for Jayson Williams to throw out the manslaughter case against the former NBA star.

Williams was convicted in 2004 of covering up the shooting of a hired driver, but he faces a retrial in January on a reckless manslaughter count.

State Superior Court Judge Edward Coleman ruled Friday that defense attorneys didn’t prove that racial bias and prosecutorial misconduct tainted the trial.

Members of the Hunterdon County prosecutor’s office testified this month at a hearing prompted by the disclosure two years ago that a county investigator used a racial slur to describe Williams, who is black.

The slur was not disclosed to the defense until more than three years after Williams’ conviction.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP) — Former NBA star Jayson Williams will soon learn whether his convictions for covering up the shooting of a hired driver will be thrown out.

A New Jersey judge is to rule Friday after the former NBA star’s lawyers argued the Hunterdon County prosecutor’s office engaged in racial bias and misconduct.

Current and former employees testified last week in a special hearing prompted by the disclosure two years ago that a county investigator used a racial slur to describe Williams, who is black.

Williams was convicted in 2004 of covering up the shooting of Costas “Gus” Christofi, but the jury deadlocked on a reckless manslaughter count. Williams faces a retrial on that charge.