A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Thursday in a New Orleans courtroom for the man who shot and killed retired NFL star Will Smith in 2016 following a car crash.
This will be the second sentencing for Cardell Hayes, 36, who was previously convicted of manslaughter in Smith’s death. The conviction was later overturned due to a non-unanimous jury vote, and Hayes has been awaiting sentencing since his unanimous conviction on Jan. 27.
Hayes had been released on bond after serving more than four years of his original 25-year sentence. He claimed self-defense in the shooting, which occurred after a confrontation following a car crash between his SUV and Smith’s vehicle.
Despite Hayes’ claims, there was no evidence to support his assertion that Smith had a weapon. Smith was shot multiple times, but there was no proof that he posed a threat to Hayes. Smith, a beloved figure in New Orleans, was a father of three and a key player for the Saints during their post-Katrina resurgence.
Hayes, a former semi-pro football player and father himself, has been awaiting his fate in jail since the January verdict. The case has garnered national attention for its tragic outcome and legal twists.
By Kevin McGill
