Former prosecutor: Slur in Williams case discussed 3 years before disclosure to defense

Witness: Slur in Williams case discussed in ‘04

SOMERVILLE, N.J. — Retired NBA star Jayson Williams is closer to learning if a judge will agree that racial bias was involved in a manslaughter case against him seven years ago and that his convictions for covering up the crime should be thrown out.

Testimony wrapped up Wednesday in a hearing before state Superior Court Judge Edward M. Coleman. The judge plans to hear summary arguments from lawyers for both sides Thursday, but has not said when he might rule.

The testimony has included conflicting statements from former staffers of the prosecutor’s office.

Williams was acquitted in 2004 of aggravated manslaughter in the shotgun killing of hired driver Costas “Gus” Christofi at Williams’ central New Jersey estate, but was convicted of covering up the crime.