Judge slashes witness list for Williams’ DUI trial

Kim Smith

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001 | 10:34 a.m.

The witness list for the trial of Jessica Williams -- facing manslaughter and DUI charges in the deaths of six teenagers -- got considerably shorter Tuesday after a judge ruled some defense witnesses aren't relevant.

Among the witnesses who won't be testifying at her trial are:

Defense attorney John Watkins will be able, however, to question two other law enforcement officers about how suspected drunk and drugged drivers are traditionally treated.

Williams is scheduled to go on trial Monday in connection with the March 19 accident that took the lives of six teens who were picking up trash in the median of Interstate 15.

She faces six counts each of driving under the influence of a controlled or prohibited substance, reckless driving and involuntary manslaughter. She also faces one count each of possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Prosecutors allege the 21-year-old exotic dancer passed out at the wheel of her father's van as the result of Ecstasy and marijuana use.

Watkins contends the girl was not impaired by the drugs, but simply fell asleep and drifted off the road. He also hopes to cast doubt on the results of blood tests taken after her arrest.

Killed in the accident were Scott Garner Jr., Alberto Puig, Anthony Smith, Rebeccah Glicken, Jennifer Booth and Malena Stoltzfus.

Also on Tuesday, District Judge Mark Gibbons told Watkins that prosecutors Gary Booker and Bruce Nelson will be allowed to use photographs of the dead children during the trial.

Watkins had wanted to keep the photos out of the trial, saying the prosecutors' only purpose in using them would be to gain the jurors' sympathy.

Nelson argued the photos are needed to show the jurors that Williams made no attempts to stop while striking the children and how the events played out.

Gibbons also denied Watkins' motion to delay the trial another 30 days.

Jury selection will begin Monday afternoon. If convicted, Williams could face up to 120 years in prison.

Williams remains in the Clark County Detention Center on $5 million bail.