Opening statements made in Williams’ trial

The prosecution presented jurors with a very different scene than did the defense, detailing alleged drinking on the night that limousine driver Costas "Gus" Christofi was shot to death at Williams’ mansion in Alexandria Township.

Williams is accused of recklessly handling the shotgun that killed Christofi in February, 2002, and then allegedly trying to make the shooting look self- inflicted by wiping his fingerprints from the gun and trying to place a dying Christofi’s hand around the weapon.

It is also alleged that Williams removed his clothing and cleaned up in a pool before putting on new clothes and directing guests to tell police Christofi committed suicide.

Two other men charged in the alleged cover-up have pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Williams.

The defense painted a friendlier picture of that night, detailing a "family atmosphere" at Williams’ house and at a restaurant the former Net and some friends attended that night.

Christofi had driven Williams and some friends from a Harlem Globetrotters event in Pennsylvania to a restaurant in Franklin Township, New Jersey, and then to Williams’ estate.

Defense attorney Billy Martin noted that one of Williams’ guests that night, at the restaurant and his house, was accompanied by his children. Martin also spoke extensively about his client’s character and background.

Williams could face nearly 55 years in prison if convicted on all charges, the most severe of which is aggravated manslaughter.

The 6-foot-10 Williams spent nine years in the NBA and averaged 7.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. His career ended in 1999 when he broke his right leg and injured his right knee.