2 life terms given killer of woman

Friday, May 17, 2002 | 10:26 a.m.

A Las Vegas murder defendant who tried to back out of a plea agreement was sentenced to two no-parole life terms Thursday for sexually assaulting and fatally stabbing a mentally ill woman.

Christopher Williams, 20, was convicted in February of the sexual assault and murder of Song Magliari, 64.

Instead of letting a jury sentence him and running the risk of a death sentence, Williams agreed to serve two no-parole life terms.

Later, Williams said he wanted a jury to decide his fate, even if that meant facing the death penalty. He said he had been rushed into the deal by his attorneys and family.

Bonaventure denied Williams' request, saying there was no legal basis for it. He then moved forward with the sentencing Thursday.

Magliari was raped, stabbed in the heart and back, then set on fire inside her Simmons Street apartment May 8, 2001.

Several of Magliari's neighbors testified they saw Magliari scream at Williams just an hour before her death, and at least one of them saw Williams leave the scene in Magliari's car.

Williams' fingerprints matched those found on Magliari's car and DNA evidence linked him to the sexual assault, according to court documents.

Williams testified he had consensual sex with the victim, then left in her car when he and Magliari were interrupted by her former boyfriend, whom he blamed for the slaying.