Court official Williams dies in his sleep at age 51

The district court's first criminal arraignment hearing master, Kevin V. Williams, died Tuesday at home in his sleep, a spokesman said.

He was 51.

Williams worked in the Clark County legal community for more than 21 years, beginning in 1989 as a law clerk for Judge Addeliar D. Guy. He then moved to the public defender's office, defending misdemeanor and felony cases for 16 years.

In 2006, Williams took the position of criminal hearing master, the first in Clark County. The position was created to ease pressure on the judges' morning calenders so they would have more time for trials, court spokesman Michael Sommermeyer said.

"Kevin was a tireless and conscientious employee who vastly improved our processes and helped this court run more efficiently," Chief Judge T. Arthur Ritchie Jr. said. "We are saddened by this news and extend our condolences to Kevin's family."

Williams earned his law degree from Georgia State University and was a member of the Georgia, Nevada and U.S. Supreme Court bars.

He is survived by his wife, Chestine, and his brothers, Judge Timothy C. Williams and Dr. Carl N. Williams Jr.

Information regarding funeral services was not immediately available.