New Jersey Storm owner Jayson Williams today surrendered to New Jersey state police in the shooting death of limo driver Costas Christofi eleven days ago.

Williams, who faces reckless manslaughter charges, was released on $250,000 bail. A manslaughter conviction carries a sentence of five to fifteen years in prison.

Williams also has been required to turn over his entire firearm collection to police.

Christofi, 55, was found dead in the master bedroom of Williams' mansion in Alexandria Township, NJ in the early hours of 14 February, of a shotgun wound to the chest and abdomen. Christofi was at the "Who Knew?" estate after transporting several of Williams' friends from a basketball game in Bethlehem, PA, to the mansion.

The criminal complaint alleges that Williams, giving his guests a tour of his 30,000-square-foot home, was recklessly handling the shotgun when it discharged, striking Christofi.

"The death of Mr. Christofi was a tragic accident, but it was an accident," Williams' lawyer, Joseph Hayden, said. "We are very confident that after a full, fair and thorough exploration of all the facts it will be clear that Mr. Williams is innocent of recklessness and innocent of any criminal conduct."

Steven Lember, acting Hunterdon County prosecutor, refused to discuss details of the case. However, he did reiterate his view that Christofi's death was caused by carelessness.

"I agree it was tragic and it may even have been an accident. But at base, every reckless manslaughter is an accident," Lember said.

Investigators are also exploring whether Williams allowed Christofi to bleed to death before notifying authorities. If so, Williams could face additional or more severe charges.

"Every day we learn more and more on this investigation and we are getting closer to the clear truth," Lember said.

Williams' next court appearance in this case is scheduled for Monday, 4 March in Superior Court. However, he also faces a hearing this week on an incident last fall, in which he is alleged to have pushed a police officer outside a New Jersey bar.