Williams to face trial in killing of woman, 64

Kim Smith

Monday, July 2, 2001 | 10:03 a.m.

A 19-year-old Las Vegas man accused of sexually assaulting and stabbing a 64-year-old woman to death before setting her on fire has been bound over for trial.

Justice of the Peace Jennifer Togliatti ruled Friday that there is enough evidence to try Christopher Williams for the May 8 death of Song Magliari.

He will be arraigned by District Judge Joseph Bonaventure July 19. A panel of attorneys also will weigh whether to seek the death penalty, Deputy District Attorney Christopher Lalli said.

Togliatti made her decision after hearing from 10 prosecution witnesses, including an analyst who testified that DNA evidence of Williams was found in the victim.

Several of Magliari's neighbors also testified Williams or a man matching his description was seen arguing with Magliari an hour before her smoldering body was found inside her Simmons Street apartment.

Williams was allegedly seen driving away from the complex, near Lake Mead Boulevard, in the victim's car.

One witness said that during their morning walk he and his wife saw the pair arguing and later were told by Magliari that Williams had exposed himself to her.

The witness said he didn't think she was in danger because Magliari often acted irrationally.

Neighbors said Magliari often talked to herself or to a group of teddy bears she would take outside. She also walked outside scantily clad and often screamed race-related obscenities, they said.

Magliari's boyfriend, called to testify by defense attorney Steve Immerman, told the court that Magliari was a schizophrenic, who had hysterical episodes every couple of months.

He testified that he and Magliari were about to break up because, at 32 years old, he would not be able to get into the senior apartment where she was planning to move.

Williams has been charged with burglary, murder, sexual assault, first-degree arson, robbery, grand larceny auto and possession of a stolen vehicle. He is being charged with committing the crimes with a deadly weapon, which would double the sentence if he is convicted.