Willie D. Clark faces 39 counts, including murder, in Williams' death on New Year's Day 2007.

Clark appeared in Denver District Court on Friday. A judge formally advised him of the charges and scheduled the arraignment, when Clark will enter a plea.

Williams was shot after leaving a nightclub. An indictment says Williams and Clark were at the club with separate groups who exchanged taunts inside. The argument continued outside, and Williams and his friends left in a rented limousine.

A witness told investigators that Clark was driving an SUV when he caught up with Williams' limo and fired into it.