Man who shot ex-Saints star Will Smith receives 25-year prison sentence for manslaughter

The individual who shot and killed retired NFL star, Will Smith, in a 2016 car crash confrontation, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in a New Orleans courtroom on Thursday.

Cardell Hayes, 36, has been sentenced for the second time in relation to Smith’s death. Hayes was initially convicted of manslaughter in December 2016 and sentenced to 25 years. However, this conviction was later annulled when the U.S. Supreme Court banned non-unanimous verdicts like the 10-2 jury vote in his case. After undergoing a new trial, Hayes was found guilty by a unanimous jury in January.

While delivering the sentence, Judge Camille Buras recognized the substantial support Hayes had received from his friends and family. However, she pointed out that both Hayes and an associate were armed when they left Hayes’ vehicle after the accident, whereas Smith was unarmed.

During the confrontation with Hayes that ensued after Hayes’ SUV hit the rear of Smith’s vehicle, Smith was shot eight times, seven of which were in the back.

Lisa Smith, now a teenager and daughter of Smith, voiced her feelings in court prior to the sentencing. She shared the struggle her mother endured having to relearn walking after the shooting. She also expressed her sorrow over her father’s absence during significant moments in her life.

“You’ve destroyed my life, Mr. Hayes,” she expressed. “You stole my father from me.”

Dawn Mumphrey, Hayes’ mother, testified in support of her son and expressed her grief over the loss of Smith. “Our lives too have been altered eternally,” she voiced, her voice trembling with emotion. She cast a tearful gaze at the judge, pleading, “I implore you for your mercy.”

Hayes has consistently claimed that he shot in self-defense. He stated that he only fired as he thought that Smith, who was inebriated and aggressive, had obtained a gun from his SUV. While testifying, he insisted that he heard a “pop” sound prior to initiating his shooting and asserted that he did not aim at Smith’s wife, Racquel, who was injured in the legs.

Evidence indicated that Smith was under the influence during the incident. However, there was a lack of witness testimonies or forensic proof to support Hayes’ allegation that Smith had used or discharged a firearm. In the retrial held in January, John Fuller, the defense attorney, did not summon Hayes to the stand. Nonetheless, he maintained that the prosecution could not establish that Hayes had not shot in self-defense.

Hayes served over four years of his initial sentence before being released on bond. Despite several delays in his retrial, some caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he remained free. However, following the unanimous verdict on January 27, he was re-arrested and has since been waiting for his sentencing in a New Orleans jail.

The overturned 2016 jury verdicts also encompassed an attempted manslaughter conviction for the injury of Racquel Smith. However, Hayes was cleared of this charge at the second trial in January.

Hayes, having already spent over four years in prison, will be credited for this time. He has also been under stringent supervision and house arrest, but it’s unclear if this will be considered in his sentencing. Buras will be consulting with prison officials to clarify this matter.

Prior to Hayes’ sentencing on Thursday, approximately two dozen family members and friends gathered in a circle to pray in the spacious hallway of the courthouse.

A 34-year-old father of three, Smith was a crucial defensive leader for the Saints, uplifting New Orleans after the devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005. His contributions led the team to a successful season in 2006 and a triumphant Super Bowl in 2010. Smith, an Ohio State University alumnus, also aided the Buckeyes in securing the 2002 national championship.

Hayes, the father of a young son, once played semi-pro football and owns a tow truck business.

Copyright The Associated Press 2024.