Official report

Shooting at Williams' estate ruled a homicide

Pallbearers carry Costas Christofi's casket from St. George Orthodox Church in Piscataway, N.J., following his funeral service Wednesday. AP

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (CNN) -- The shooting death of a 55-year-old chauffeur at former NBA player Jayson Williams' New Jersey estate has been ruled a homicide, the medical examiner said Wednesday.

Hunterdon County medical examiner Steven Diamond told CNN that limousine driver Costas "Gus" Christofi died as a result of a "gunshot wound to the chest and abdomen at intermediate range."

State troopers found Christofi's body in Williams' bedroom early last Thursday, after being summoned to the home in Washington, N.J., by a 911 call from Williams' brother, Vincent, the Hunterdon County prosecutor's office said.

Steven Lember, acting Hunterdon County prosecutor, had said Christofi apparently died of wounds from a 12-gauge shotgun that appeared to have come from a gun rack in a bedroom.

Officials with Christofi's limousine company, 78-Limousine, said Jayson Williams had hired Christofi to transport his friends -- including four players from the Harlem Globetrotters -- to a restaurant in Hunterdon County after a sporting event in Pennsylvania. He was to return the friends to their hotel in Pennsylvania after the dinner.

But at some point, authorities said, the group went to Williams' home for a tour. Christofi was shot around 3 a.m., according to authorities.

Police have been investigating the death, but so far no one has been charged. Prosecutors have said the 12 people at the home at the time of the shooting have been questioned.

Globetrotters spokesman Brett Meister said, "By no means were our players involved."

He said the Globetrotters had a game "as part of our regular tour. Our players were playing in the game. He [Williams] invited them to dinner. Afterwards, he invited them to tour the house."

Christofi's funeral was in New Jersey on Wednesday. His boss, Sam Nenna, called Christofi a "good friend, an excellent employee who loved his job. He'll be very much missed."

Williams, a 6-foot-10, 245-pound former power forward, turns 34 Friday. He spent nine seasons in the NBA, all but two with the New Jersey Nets.

Not known for his scoring, Williams earned a reputation as a powerful rebounder. In his most prolific season, 1996-97, he averaged 13.5 rebounds per game to go with 13.4 points.

He played his last professional game on April 1, 1999, when he suffered a career-ending leg injury in a collision with teammate Stephon Marbury.

 

Related information
Stories
Williams 'distraught' since fatal shooting Attorney: No truth to report Williams handled gun Report: Ex-Net accidentally shot man Police believe Williams' gun used in shooting Man found dead at home of former Nets star
Multimedia
Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.