Hayes could face up to four decades in prison after jury’s decision
The jury has reached a verdict in the nearly eight-year-old case of the death of former NFL player Will Smith. Cardell Hayes, the accused, has been convicted of manslaughter in Smith’s death and attempted manslaughter for wounding Smith’s wife, Racquel Smith. Hayes, 36, did not testify under oath during the trial.
The jury vote was 10-2 when the verdict was reached, as Louisiana law at the time only required 10 jurors to agree. However, nonunanimous verdicts have since been outlawed in the state. Hayes had been released on bond after serving more than four years of a 25-year sentence due to various circumstances, including court closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
District Attorney Jason Williams, in his closing argument, insisted that Hayes had fired needlessly. He held in the air the evidence-tagged handgun that Hayes fired, which hit Smith eight times, including seven shots in the back, and also injured Smith’s wife in the legs.
On the other hand, defense attorney John Fuller argued that the prosecutors had not proven that Hayes did not act in self-defense. He referred to a recording of a 911 call made after the shooting, in which Hayes can be heard claiming that Smith had intended to retrieve a gun from his car. Fuller also countered the prosecution’s claim that Racquel Smith had calmed her husband down, stating that her efforts to defuse the argument indicated a need for it.
Sarah Chervinsky, another defense attorney for Hayes, stated that they plan to file an appeal, believing that the correct verdict should have been ‘not guilty’ on both counts. The defense team remains committed to fighting for Hayes.
About the Parties Involved
Hayes, the convicted man, is a former owner of a tow truck business and had a short career as a semi-pro football player. He has one son.
Will Smith, the victim, was a defensive leader on a team that brought hope to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He played a key role in the team’s winning season in 2006 and their Super Bowl victory in 2010.
Statement from Racquel Smith and Family
Racquel Smith, Will Smith’s wife, and her family released a statement expressing their emotions throughout the trial. They stated, “Each time we stepped into this courthouse, we were forced to relive the worst moments of our lives. 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.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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