Another delay sought in Jessica Williams’ trial

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001 | 6:50 a.m.

Jessica Williams, a 21-year-old exotic dancer, is charged with six counts of drunken driving, six counts of manslaughter and six counts of reckless driving in connection with the March 19 accident along Interstate 15.

The teens were picking up trash as part of a disciplinary program operated by Clark County Family and Youth Services.

Williams' attorney, John Watkins, argues that Clark County, not Williams, is responsible for the deaths because it stationed the teens in a dangerous area. District Judge Mark Gibbons, however, previously ruled that the county's culpability will be determined through a civil lawsuit brought by the teens' parents.

Watkins filed a motion on Wednesday asking all of the justices to review and reverse Gibbons' decision.

Clark County admitted its negligence in the matter and Gibbons should have taken that into consideration, according to Watkins' motion.

The high court last week threw out Watkins' earlier request to stop the trial because he did not include the documentation necessary for justices to review the case. Instead of required transcripts, Watkins submitted four videotapes of earlier hearings before Gibbons.

Nonetheless, the court reviewed items submitted and decided not to intervene.

Williams also faces one count each of possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Watkins claims Williams simply fell asleep at the wheel and did not use enough marijuana to impair her driving.

It is unclear how long the Supreme Court will take to rule. If the Nevada Supreme Court takes no action, jury selection in the case will begin Monday.

If convicted, Williams could face up to 120 years in prison.

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