In a long-awaited verdict, Cardell Hayes has been found guilty of manslaughter for the shooting death of former New Orleans Saints defensive end, Will Smith. The incident, which occurred in 2016, involved a traffic crash that escalated into a fatal altercation. Hayes, who claimed self-defense, now faces the possibility of up to 40 years in prison.
The fateful encounter took place on a fateful April night in 2016, when Will Smith and his wife, Racquel Smith, were driving along Magazine Street in New Orleans. A collision occurred between Smith’s SUV and Hayes’ Hummer, sparking a heated exchange between the two parties. What initially seemed like a routine traffic accident quickly escalated into a tragic confrontation.
After hours of deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict for Cardell Hayes on the charge of manslaughter. However, he was acquitted of the charge of attempted manslaughter for shooting and injuring Racquel Smith during the same incident. This verdict marks the second conviction for Hayes, following an initial conviction in 2016 that was later overturned due to nonunanimous jury voting.
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The prosecution, led by District Attorney Jason Williams, presented a compelling argument against Hayes. They contended that he fired his gun needlessly, causing fatal injuries to Will Smith and injuring Racquel Smith. Williams dramatically held up the evidence-tagged handgun, emphasizing that one gun was fired by one man.
Assistant District Attorney Matt Derbes acknowledged that Will Smith was intoxicated at the time of the incident, but there was no evidence to suggest that he had retrieved or used a weapon. The prosecution maintained that Hayes had acted without justification, disregarding the principles of self-defense.
Defense attorney John Fuller, representing Cardell Hayes, vehemently disputed the prosecution’s claims. He argued that Hayes genuinely feared for his life, prompting him to use his weapon in self-defense. Fuller cited a recorded 911 call made shortly after the shooting, where Hayes can be heard claiming that Will Smith had expressed intentions of retrieving a gun from his car.
Furthermore, Fuller sought to challenge the prosecution’s assertion that Racquel Smith had calmed her husband down before the shooting. He emphasized that her efforts to defuse the situation were evidence of the escalating tension, suggesting that Hayes’ actions were justified.
Throughout the trial, both the Smith and Hayes families endured a painful and emotional process. Racquel Smith, in a statement released after the verdict, described the courtroom as a place where they had to relive their worst moments. She expressed her determination to seek justice for her late husband, emphasizing that her pursuit was driven by love for Will and the desire to provide closure for their children.
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Hayes, once the owner of a tow truck business and a semi-pro football player, now faces the consequences of his actions. The verdict carries significant implications for his future and the life he had built prior to the tragic incident.
Will Smith, a highly regarded defensive end for the New Orleans Saints, left a lasting impact on the team and the community. He played an essential role in uplifting the spirits of New Orleans residents after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Smith’s leadership and contributions helped the Saints achieve a winning season in 2006 and a memorable Super Bowl victory in 2010.
