Published January 14, 2015
Testimony in the Jayson Williams (search) manslaughter trial resumed Monday after jurors learned the prosecution failed to provide some evidence to defense lawyers for the retired NBA star.
Jurors returned to the courtroom after a three-week delay caused by a dispute over withheld photographs and notes related to the shooting death of a limousine driver.
State Superior Court Judge Edward M. Coleman (search) informed the panel that the defense would be allowed to reopen its case; the defense had rested just before the additional evidence came to light.
Coleman made the decision last week after rejecting a defense request to dismiss the case.
Williams' attorneys said prosecutors failed to turn over photographs and notes on the shotgun Williams was handling when it discharged, killing Costas "Gus" Christofi (search).
The defense, which contends the gun misfired, had argued that the withheld materials were critical to its case. The evidence had been assembled by a prosecution weapons expert.
Williams shot Christofi, 55, while Williams was showing friends his mansion in 2002. He is accused of trying to make the shooting look like a suicide and persuading others to lie to police.
Williams, 36, faces eight charges, including aggravated manslaughter. Collectively, they carry up to 55 years in prison.
The basketball star retired from the New Jersey Nets in 2000. He was suspended from his job as an NBA analyst for NBC after the shooting.
https://www.foxnews.com/story/williams-jury-back-after-three-week-hiatus