Gang member convicted of murdering Broncos player

DENVER (Reuters) - A member of a Denver-area Crips street gang was convicted on Thursday in the 2007 murder of Denver Broncos football player Darrent Williams after an altercation at a local nightclub.

Willie D. Clark, 26, was convicted of first-degree murder in the drive-by shooting death of Williams, who was a passenger in a limousine that was sprayed with gunfire in the early morning hours of January 1, 2007.

Clark was also convicted of assault and attempted murder for wounding two other people in the shooting. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced on April 30.

According to trial testimony, Clark and his Crips street gang associates exchanged words and flashed gang signs with a group of people with Williams, 24, including current Broncos player Brandon Marshall.

The argument continued outside the bar at closing time until security guards dispersed the two groups with pepper spray.

Marshall testified that he argued with Clark at the club after Clark and another gang member thought they were disrespected by the group of professional athletes who were with Williams.

After Williams and his group drove away from the bar, a second vehicle pulled alongside the limousine and sprayed it with gunfire. Williams was struck in the neck and died instantly. Two other passengers were wounded.

During 11 days of testimony, prosecutors presented a parade of convicts and gang members who testified that Clark confessed the killing. Defense lawyers argued that the prosecution witnesses were criminals who testified against Clark to get leniency in their own cases.

Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen issued a written statement after the verdict, saying it was "gratifying" to see closure in the case.

"This process has been extremely difficult for the Williams family, his friends and teammates, this community, and the entire Denver Broncos organization," Bowlen said.