TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Former NBA star Jayson Williams settled a civil lawsuit filed by the family of a limousine driver who was shot to death at his mansion.

Williams' attorneys did not release terms of the settlement, which was filed Wednesday afternoon in state Superior Court in Hackensack.

Williams is accused of recklessly handling the shotgun that killed Costas "Gus" Christofi. He faces charges, including aggravated manslaughter, in the Feb. 14, 2002, shooting death, and faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

The civil settlement does not affect Williams' criminal trial, which has been delayed so an appeals court can hear defense arguments for dismissing the indictment.

Williams' attorneys did release letters exchanged by Williams and the family of Christofi.

"While I know the pain I feel cannot compare to yours, I will live my whole life with the thought that Mr. Gus Christofi is no longer with you," Williams said in his letter to the family.

Christofi's brother, Anthony, and sister, Andrea Adams, filed the lawsuit against Williams on Oct. 30.

"We are sure that he did not intend to hurt Gus and that he sincerely regrets what occurred," they said in their letter. "He has offered us his deepest sympathies and he has taken responsibility for this tragic accident, which we genuinely appreciate."

Their lawyer, Ken Berkowitz, did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.

In his letter, Williams said he never goes to bed or wakes up without thinking about Christofi's death and the family's loss.

"I am truly sorry," he said. "While I know that sorrow can never bring your brother back, I wanted you to know how I feel. It is my hope and prayer that over time you will find it in your heart to forgive me. My wife, Tanya, and I pray for your forgiveness every day of our lives."

Williams' attorneys said the settlement would allow them to turn their attention to the criminal case.

"Now that Jayson Williams and the family have resolved this matter, we can move forward, focusing solely on the court of appeals hearing on March 12," Williams spokeswoman Judy Smith said.