Man convicted in slaying of Denver Broncos player

By The AP
Thursday, March 11, 2010

DENVER — Suspected gang member Willie Clark was found guilty of murder today in the drive-by shooting death of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams.

A jury returned the verdict after an 11-day trial and a day and a half of deliberation.

Clark showed no emotion as the verdict was read, but leaned back and looked at the ceiling once the jury was dismissed. He gave a small smile to relatives before he was taken from the courtroom in handcuffs.

There was no immediate word on a possible appeal, but defense attorney Darren Cantor told three sobbing people in the courtroom, “Try to breathe, OK? That’s what appeals are for.”

Williams’ mother, Rosalind, wept as she left the courtroom. Cantor told reporters that Clark’s family was upset and didn’t want to speak to reporters.

Clark faces life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 30.

Williams was killed on New Year’s Day 2007. Prosecutors said Clark fired the fatal shots from an SUV that pulled up beside a rented limo carrying Williams and some friends.