Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman said Thursday that Willie Clark is a “person of interest” in the investigation of the death of Denver Broncos player Darrent Williams, but he declined to confirm a news report that Clark is now a suspect in the case.
Whitman also would not confirm a 9News report that police believe Clark was riding in a vehicle with the gunman who fired at Williams, 24.
“This guy is a person of interest,” said Whitman, who has said little publicly about the Williams case since the athlete was shot dead early New Year’s Day.
Clark’s attorney, Michael Andre, did not return calls seeking comment Thursday. He earlier said he knew of no information linking Clark to the crime.
Williams, a Broncos cornerback, was shot to death as he was riding away from a Broadway nightclub in a stretch Hummer limousine.
Police say several shots were fired from a Chevrolet Tahoe that pulled alongside on Speer Boulevard at West 11th Avenue.
Police arrested 23-year-old Clark a week ago on suspicion of violating parole in an unrelated case and said they wanted to interview him in the Williams investigation.
9News reported Wednesday, citing unnamed sources, that police consider Clark a suspect and believe he was riding in the Tahoe but was not the shooter.
Police continue to get tips about Williams’ death, but as of Thursday, authorities had not received the call they need to solve the case despite a $100,000 increase in the reward, said police spokesman Sonny Jackson.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.
