Trial For Murder Of Ex-Saints DE Will Smith Begins In New Orleans

One of the biggest trials in Saints’ history began in New Orleans this week.

Trial For Murder Of Ex-Saints DE Will Smith Begins In New Orleans

Cardell Hayes, a former semi-professional football player, has been charged with second-degree murder for killing former Saints defensive end Will Smith in a road-rage shooting on April 9 in the city.

Hayes is also charged with attempted second-degree murder for allegedly shooting and injuring Smith’s wife Racquel during the incident, as well as aggravated criminal damage to property.

Hayes’ attorney John Fuller previously stated that Hayes felt threatened and was the victim of a hit-and-run just moments before he crashed into Smith’s car. He alleges Hayes was chasing them to get license plate numbers and that Hayes called 911 to report the hit-and-run before the accident with Smith.

Pierre Thomas, a friend and former teammate of Smith, testified Wednesday that he saw Smith “slouched over the steering wheel” following a “back and forth argument” with the suspected shooter.

Thomas was occasionally emotional on the stand, where he described being in a car ahead of the Smiths when he saw smoke behind him. Thomas said he stopped, got out and realized there had been an accident. After that, he saw Smith and Hayes getting into an argument.

“I never saw any physical contact,” Thomas said.

Thomas then said he heard the first shot and saw Hayes holding a gun, shooting in the direction of Smith.

Kevin O’Neal, the passenger in Hayes’ Hummer that night, said he feared for his safety after a passenger in Smith’s SUV exited the vehicle removing his shirt and saying he wanted to fight.

“‘I feel played, I want to fight. We’re not about that life,'” O’Neal recalled the passenger saying as he testified in Hayes’ trial Thursday (Dec. 8). “They continually attacked us,” O’Neal added at another point, referring to Smith and others with him.

Hayes, 28, acknowledges he killed Smith but claims it was self-defense, says that Smith, 34, was headed to his Mercedes to get his own gun and he had no choice but to exercise the right to stand his ground.

The tension in the courtroom was palpable, as Racquel Smith stared down the defendant.

“I don’t want sympathy,” Racquel Smith said looking directly at the jury here at Orleans Criminal District Court. “I want justice for my husband. He isn’t here today but I am his voice.”

NEW ORLEANS – JANUARY 24: Will Smith #91 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a fumble in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)