Death penalty sought in rape, killing

Kim Smith

Monday, July 23, 2001 | 9:53 a.m.

The Clark County district attorney's office intends to seek the death penalty against a 20-year-old Las Vegas man charged with raping and killing an elderly woman.

Deputy District Attorney Christopher Lalli told District Judge Joseph Bonaventure on Thursday that his office will seek death for Christopher Michael Williams in the killing of Song Magliari, 64.

Lalli said five aggravating circumstances warrant such a decision.

The state is alleging Williams committed the crime while a fugitive and that it occurred while he was sexually assaulting the woman. The prosecutor further alleges that Williams also committed robbery, burglary and arson during the event.

In addition, because Williams is alleged to have set fire to Magliari's body after he killed her, the state is alleging he is guilty of torture and-or mutilation, and that other people were at risk of harm.

Bonaventure scheduled Williams' trial for Feb. 11.

Several of Magliari's neighbors 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 on May 8.

Williams was allegedly seen driving away from the complex, near Lake Mead Boulevard, in the victim's car, and DNA evidence linking him to the crime was reportedly found at the scene.

At the time of the incident, Lalli said Williams had warrants out for his arrest on unknown charges in Indiana.