TRIAL Williams gets jury's acquittal

The ex-NBA star was found not guilty of manslaughter, but guilty of a cover-up.
SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP) -- Former NBA star Jayson Williams was acquitted of manslaughter Friday in the shotgun slaying of a limousine driver at his mansion, but found guilty of trying to cover up the shooting.
Williams, 36, was convicted on four of six lesser charges related to tampering with evidence and trying to cover up the death of Costas "Gus" Christofi, 55, who was killed by a shotgun blast as Williams handled the weapon. Collectively, the charges carry a maximum penalty of 13 years in prison.
But Williams will probably receive a sentence of less than five years, the maximum for the most serious count. No date was set for sentencing.
The jury could not agree on the reckless manslaughter charge.
One juror, Shalisha Martin, said the vote was 8-4 in favor of acquittal. "I think it was an accident," Martin said.
No decision
First Assistant Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steven C. Lember said no decision had been made on whether Williams would be tried again on that charge. A scheduling conference to determine a possible trial date was set for May 21.
Williams could have faced up to 55 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Williams displayed no emotion as he stood with his lawyers. After the verdict was completed, he sat down in his chair, leaned back and kissed his wife, Tanya, who was seated behind him. He remains free on bail.
He did not speak to reporters as he left the courtroom holding hands with his wife.
The defense argued that the shooting was accidental, saying a malfunction in the gun's firing mechanism caused the weapon to fire. Prosecutors contended Williams was handling the shotgun so recklessly that it amounted to a crime.
Anthony Christofi, a nephew of the victim, told Court TV he was disappointed by the split verdict, "but we have to respect the decision the jury made."
Another nephew, Chris Adams, reacted bitterly.
Williams "was never held accountable for his actions. He was reckless; he was showing off," Adams said.