Williams trial won’t be delayed

Thursday, Dec. 28, 2000 | 10:52 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

A District Court judge Wednesday denied a motion to delay the trial of Jessica Williams, accused in the deaths of six teenagers who were picking up trash along Interstate 15.

Jury selection for the trial of the 21-year-old woman will begin Jan. 29 as previously scheduled, District Judge Mark Gibbons ruled.

In denying defense attorney John Watkins' request to delay the trial, Gibbons said nine months was adequate time to prepare the case. Williams, charged with six counts of manslaughter, six counts of felony DUI and six counts of felony reckless driving, is jailed at the Clark County Detention Center on $5 million bond.

State prosecutors contend that Williams passed out while driving as a result of smoking marijuana and taking the drug Ecstasy.

Watkins argues that Clark County is responsible for the deaths, arguing that the juveniles were working dangerously close to the highway as part of a county-sponsored rehabilitation program.

Williams appeared overtaken with emotion during an interview shown this morning on Day ONE, Las Vegas ONE's morning news show.

"I don't understand why mamas have to lose their kids," a weeping Williams said. "What do you say? What could I ever say? What could I ever do? What could I ever change to bring them back?"

Williams cried and sobbed throughout most of the interview aired on the show. She said she often thinks about the victims and their families.