New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith.Photo:AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
A man has been convicted in the shooting death of former NFL defensive endWill Smithfollowing analtercation after a car crashin New Orleans in April 2016.
On Saturday, a jury found Cardell Hayes guilty of manslaughter on Saturday morning, according tomultiple outlets. Hayes, who faces up to 40 years in prison, was acquitted on attempted manslaughter charges related to the shooting injuries of Smith’s wife, Racquel Smith, perABC News.
Cardell Hayes.
The two men reportedly “exchanged words” after the accident and Hayes, then 28, “produced a handgun and shot Smith multiple times." One of those shots hit Racquel in her right leg, police reported.
Cardell Hayes outside court in September 2023.AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
“Each time we stepped into this courthouse, we were forced to relive the worst moments of our lives,” it said. “As hard as it was to sit and listen to autopsy reports and untruths about the night Will was killed, and I was shot, we came each day brave and strong because we were fighting for Will. I can look my children in the eyes and tell them that I gave everything in pursuit of justice on behalf of Will.”
source: people.com
