Accused Teen Rejects Plea

A former Deptford High School football star has rejected a deal with prosecutors that would have allowed him to plead guilty to a lesser charge than murder, sparing him life in prison. William Corsey IV, 18, is charged in the stabbing death of a former teammate, Christopher Bensinger, then 18, at a party in October 2000.

Gloucester County prosecutors offered a plea bargain Tuesday similar to one Corsey rejected in April, said Corsey's attorney, Ronald Thompson. A guilty plea to a lesser charge, such as aggravated manslaughter, would not carry a life sentence.

Corsey maintains his innocence. "He's not interested in anything but going to trial," Thompson said.

Although pretrial motions have been heard in Cumberland County, the trial will take place in Gloucester County. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Aug. 12 in Woodbury.

Before rejecting the plea deal, Corsey spent several hours talking with his family, including his father, William Corsey III.

The elder Corsey, who was coach of the Deptford High School girls track team, was sentenced May 23 to eight years in prison for sexual contact with two members of the team.

The younger Corsey has been held in the Gloucester County Jail since having his bail revoked after a brawl outside the courthouse with members of the Bensinger family after his father's sentencing.

Bensinger was the boyfriend of a girl the elder Corsey was convicted of molesting.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: 6 ABC-AP