Williams offers family condolences
Associated Press

FLEMINGTON, N.J. — Former NBA star Jayson Williams offered “heartfelt condolences” Monday to the family of a limousine driver he is accused of killing with a shotgun blast at his rural estate.

The former New Jersey Net spoke briefly after leaving the Hunterdon County courthouse, where he appeared for a five-minute hearing on the case. Williams is charged with second-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of Costas Christofi.

“Me and my wife would like to send out our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Christofi’s family,” Williams said. He declined to comment on the case on the advice of his lawyer.

Williams, 34, did not enter a plea. He is not required to do so until a grand jury hands up an indictment.

During the court appearance, Superior Court Judge Ann Bartlett advised Williams of his rights. Williams did not speak; his lawyer, Joseph Hayden, said they had received a copy of the charges and the hearing ended.

Christofi’s neighbor and longtime friend, Joseph Armstrong, attended the hearing, saying afterward he was pleased to hear Williams address the family.

“It’s just the right thing to do,” Armstrong said. “I just want to make sure it stays focused on who the victim was and what happened. It’s a tragedy for everyone.”

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