Flemington, NJ (My Sportsbook) - Former NBA star Jayson Williams learned Thursday that a second request to have a manslaughter indictment against him dropped was refused by Superior Court Judge Edward Coleman.

Williams' lawyers contend that the grand jury's presentation of the indictment against Williams was severely flawed. In February, Coleman rejected a similar defense motion to dismiss the indictment.

Williams is accused of recklessly handling the shotgun that killed limousine driver Costas Christofi in February, 2002, and then allegedly trying to make the shooting look self-inflicted. Two other men charged in the alleged cover- up have pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Williams. The shooting took place in Williams' New Jersey mansion after a night out with friends.

Another new piece of information involving the case, set to go to trial in January, also came out on Thursday. Coleman granted a request by the defense that ordered Browning, a gun-making company, to release all records on accidental discharge claims for shotguns beginning in 1980.

The grand jury indicted Williams on a more serious manslaughter charge than he originally faced, tripling the maximum sentence. Williams now faces charges of aggravated assault, aggravated manslaughter, tampering with evidence, tampering with a witness and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.

The 35-year-old Williams could face nearly 55 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

The 6-foot-10 Williams spent nine years in the NBA, averaging 7.3 points and 7.5 rebounds. His career ended in 1999 when he broke his right leg and injured his right knee.