04-21-2006, 03:01 PM
NEWARK, N.J. -- Former NBA star Jayson Williams can be retried on a reckless manslaughter charge stemming from the shooting death of a hired driver at the player's estate, an appeals court ruled Friday.
Williams had sought to avoid a second trial, contending that it would be double jeopardy. A jury already acquitted him of three other charges stemming from the same shotgun blast, including aggravated manslaughter.
Williams, 38, has remained free on bail since his April 30, 2004 conviction on four charges stemming from a failed attempt to cover up the 2002 fatal shooting at the mansion he owned.
Williams spokeswoman Judy Williams said they plan to appeal the ruling.
First Assistant Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steven C. Lember, who tried the case, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Williams had sought to avoid a second trial, contending that it would be double jeopardy. A jury already acquitted him of three other charges stemming from the same shotgun blast, including aggravated manslaughter.
Williams, 38, has remained free on bail since his April 30, 2004 conviction on four charges stemming from a failed attempt to cover up the 2002 fatal shooting at the mansion he owned.
Williams spokeswoman Judy Williams said they plan to appeal the ruling.
First Assistant Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steven C. Lember, who tried the case, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.