The man accused of killing Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams has decided not to testify in his own defense.
But the decision isn’t the result of the application of legal strategy. Clark says he has received threats on the matter.
“I choose not to,” Clark told Judge Christina Habas, according to the Denver Post. “I received threats about this issue right here about me testifying or not. . . . I actually wanted to [testify]. But I can’t protect my family so why would I put myself in that situation?”
Clark’s lawyer said that the threats are not “amorphous” or “imaginary.” It’s unclear why Clark or his family would face danger if he were to take the witness stand in his own defense.
Criminal defendants routinely choose not to testify at trial. Those that opt to talk risk being twisted into repeated contradictions and admissions.