Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Jayson Williams Pleads Guilty In Limo Driver's Death
By
Ben Muessig
Published Jan 11, 2010
Modified Jan 11, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Muessig
Published Jan 11, 2010
Modified Jan 11, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Former New Jersey Nets star Jayson Williams pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in the 2002 death of his limo driver, Costas Christofi, who was killed by a shotgun blast at close range. Williams — who last week was charged with drunk driving after crashing his Mercedes SUV on the FDR — will serve 18 months to five years in prison, and will be eligible for parole in 18 months, NY1 reports.
Williams was facing a retrial on a reckless manslaughter charge — which could have put him behind bars for 10 years — but he pleaded down to an aggravated assault charge. He was expected to take the deal, which carries an 18-month minimum sentence because a gun was involved. According to 1010WINS, Williams told the judge that had not checked the gun's safety before he snapped it closed, firing that shot that killed Christofi. "I didn't look in the direction the muzzle of the gun was pointed,'' said Williams, who has already been acquitted of aggravated manslaughter charges and convicted of trying to cover up the death of his driver.
Williams is due back in court on March 3 for the drunk driving charge. Last spring, Williams was found acting "suicidal" and "violent" in a Manhattan hotel and police were forced to use a Taser and two sets of handcuffs to restrain the former NBA player.
Tagged
aggravaed assault
costas christofi
dui
dwi
jayson williams
new jersey
new jersey nets
shooting
shotgun
Ben Muessig
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: Get to know Wanda, the donkey in the Met's 'La Bohème'
Because she's 18 years old now, here are your early links: The RHONY castmember mentioned in the Epstein Files, killing rats with carbon monoxide, Selena Gomez says don't vape and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 19, 2026 at 8:26 a.m. ET
Eric Adams' NYC buildings boss Eric Ulrich heads to trial, 3 years after arrest
Ulrich, a former city councilmember, is accused of trading access and favors for cash and bribes. He was the first aide to Mayor Adams charged with public corruption.
By
David Brand
and
Samantha Max
News
Eric Adams' NYC buildings boss Eric Ulrich heads to trial, 3 years after arrest
Ulrich, a former city councilmember, is accused of trading access and favors for cash and bribes. He was the first aide to Mayor Adams charged with public corruption.
By
David Brand
and
Samantha Max
Need help with mental health or addiction services? NYC has a new tool.
By
Caroline Lewis
NYC sues personal injury law firm accused of bogus trip-and-fall claims
By
Walter Wuthmann
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .