Suspect in slaying of Broncos player in court

Jun 26, 2009 - 10:57 PM By IVAN MORENO Associated Press Writer

DENVER(AP) -- A suspect in the slaying of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams has appeared in court in a separate homicide case.

Willie Clark is charged in the 2006 shooting death of Kalonniann Clark of Denver. He was supposed to enter a plea Friday, but his arraignment was postponed until Oct. 2.

Willie Clark also is charged with first degree murder in the drive-by shooting death of Williams on New Year's Day 2007. He faces 39 counts in that case. The trial is set to begin Oct. 13.

Also charged in Kalonniann Clarks' death are Brian Hicks and Shun Birch. The homicide is unrelated to Williams' slaying, but police say Hicks owned an SUV that was used during Williams' slaying.

Prosecutors say Kalonniann Clark was going to testify against Hicks in a drug case and that Hicks told Willie Clark to kill her.

Also Friday, a man considered a witness in the Williams case was arrested when he was spotted in the courtroom. Marquise Harris had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear at a previous hearing on Williams.

Harris told Judge Christina M. Habas that he feared for himself and his family, and he gave a letter to the judge. A court clerk said the letter was sealed to the public.

Habas released Harris, but warned him he would be arrested again if he failed to appear for future court dates.

The three defendants appeared in red jail jumpsuits Friday. They were handcuffed and chained around the waist and feet. Security was tight on the courthouse floor and everyone on the floor was prohibited from using cell phones.