Ex-NBA star charged in limo driver's shooting death

FLEMINGTON, N.J. -- Former NBA star Jayson Williams surrendered to police Monday and was charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of a limousine driver -- a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The NBC Sports commentator, accompanied by two men, walked through a back entrance into the state police barracks in Kingwood. He didn't comment as he entered or left.

Costas Christofi, 55, was found shot to death in the master bedroom at Williams' 65-acre estate in Alexandria Township on Feb. 14. According to the criminal complaint, Williams was the only person near Christofi when the gun went off.

"The death of Mr. Christofi was a tragic accident, but it was an accident," said Williams' lawyer, Joseph Hayden. "We are very confident that after a full, fair and thorough exploration of all the facts it will be clear that Mr. Williams is innocent of recklessness and innocent of any criminal conduct."

Acting Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steven C. Lember would not discuss details of the case, but said he was convinced Williams caused Christofi's death by recklessly handling the shotgun.

Lember said authorities want to interview more witnesses. Christofi's death was initially reported as a suicide but later ruled a homicide.

Williams was released on $250,000 bail and required to turn over his weapons to police. His first court appearance in the case was scheduled for March 4 in Superior Court.

Injury to keep Camby out

NEW YORK -- New York Knicks center Marcus Camby is expected to miss the rest of the regular season because the muscle tear in his hip has improved little.

Camby, who was injured in a fall nearly four weeks ago, had an MRI exam on Monday which revealed that his bone bruise improved greatly, but the muscle tear didn't.

The oft-injured Camby landed hard on his side when he tried a driving layup along the baseline and collided with Jermaine O'Neal in the first quarter of New York's loss to the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 1.

He has been able to get off crutches, and will begin rehabilitation -- which includes work in a swimming pool.

-- From wire services