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CNN Live At Daybreak

Williams May Have Tampered With Evidence

Aired March 06, 2002 - 06:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, "Sports Illustrated" is reporting that former NBA star Jayson Williams tampered with evidence after his limousine driver was shot to death, but the prosecutor is not confirming that account.

Our Deborah Feyerick has details on the report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The caller inside Jayson Williams' home told 911 operators a man, Costas Christofi, had just shot himself. Suicide, say the caller identified by the prosecutor as Williams' brother, but "Sports Illustrated" reports others who were there tell a different story.

TIM LAYDEN, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Witnesses told us that at or around the time of the call, Jayson Williams then with the assistance of another person, who is as yet unidentified, began trying to apply Christofi's fingerprints and palm prints to the shotgun that was used in the shooting in an apparent attempt to validate a claim of suicide.

FEYERICK: According to the detective in the criminal complaint, a 12-gauge shotgun was found on the floor near Christofi's body. A prosecutor says some of Williams' friends told investigators Christofi had killed himself.

STEVEN LEMBER, PROSECUTOR: Some individuals connected with this case were not forthright at the beginning of this case, which led to people to erroneously conclude the first day that we were looking at a suicide when nothing could be further from the truth.

FEYERICK: Fourteen people were touring Williams' estate early Valentine's Day morning. Among them, four players from the Harlem Globetrotters. "Sports Illustrated" reporting they were in a nearby study with other guests when they heard a shot, running in to find Christofi slumped against a wall.

LAYDEN: The witness described Jayson Williams as freaking out. He began screaming for someone who would know CPR, anyone in the house and when no one responded, Jayson began applying chest compressions to Christofi's body.

FEYERICK: Globetrotter spokesman says only the players had nothing to do with the shooting. Williams was in court Monday, his first appearance before the judge. His lawyer did not return CNN's call concerning evidence tampering, but has said his client is innocent.

Williams is facing a reckless manslaughter charge. The lead prosecutor saying more charges could be brought once all the evidence is in.

Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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